TARIFF COMMISSION

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 August 1933, Page 2

TARIFF COMMISSION

CHAIRMAN AND WITNESS [per press association.] AUCKLAND, August 16. The use of the word “iniquitous,” in relation to the dumping of Australian sheet lead, led to a brisk exchange of views at the Tariff Commission, today, between Professor Murphy and J. Hardley, secretary of the Dominion Lead Mills Ltd., ■who asked that duties of 15 per cent, for other Dominions, and 20 per cent, foreign, be imposed. He said that Australian sheet lead was being landed in New Zealand at a price £1 to £l/10/- below production costs. In the local industry, five men were employed but it was hoped to treble that number when conditions improved. “It is a most iniquitous thing that dumping should continue to be allowed.” Professor Murphy: Why is it iniquitous. It seems to me our builders and plumbers are obtaining useful material very cheaply. Mr. Hardley said that the local industry after struggling along had put £20,000 into buildings, thinking it would get some measure of justice. Professor Murphy: Yes, but what do you mean by some measure of justice? Mr. Hardley: That this country would never allow dumping. Professor Murphy: There is no iniquity about that. Mr. Hardley: There is. Professor Murphy: You took a trading risk. Mr. Hardley replied he knew that, but if local industry were obliterated by dumping, prices would rise to the former level. Professor Murphy said that iniquitous connoted something morally wrong and that if the Commission were unable to meet Mr. Hardley’s wishes, it would be implied that the Commission was conniving at commercial immorality. “I don’t want to be associated with something morally wrong. My reputation won’t stand it.” (Laughter). Mr. Hardley agreed to substitute the term unfair trading. He said his real grievance was against the New Zealand Government for allowing dumping. Professor Murphy: In order to keep five men in a job, you want to raise the cost of lead in New Zealand. Mr. Hardley: We don’t. It is a saving to the individual in the long run, because if we are obliterated it means that imported lead will be put up to the price it is in. Australia.