The Federal Commission.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 37, 13 February 1901, Page 3

The Federal Commission.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Dunedin, last night,

The Federation Commission continued this morning. The whole of the nine witnesses examined to-day are connected with manufacturing industries, and opposed federation. Mr Grant P. Farquhar, leather merchant, thought federation would practically wipe out the boot trade. There was eneugh machinery in one town in New Zealand to supply the whole country. Alfred H. Bridger, manager for Sargood’s boot factory, said the boot trade was at present languishing, and could not stand further competition. With free trade in Australia America could beat the world.

"John H. Morrison, manager of the Mosgiel Woollen Company, thought the woollen factories might benefit by federation, but New Zealand could work out its destiny alone. A reciprocal treaty would be more advantageous.

- James C. Boss, manager of the Denton hat mills, said that with the present tariff New Zealand could compete successfully with the world, but competition under a' five or ten per cent, tariff would kill the trade in New Zealand and Victoria.

Percy R. Sargood, managing partner for Sargood, Son and Ewen, did not think New Zealand industrially would care for Federation. A. L. Isaacs, manager of the New Zealand Clothing Factory, thought Federation would do great injury to New Zealand industries.

Robert McKinley, boot manufacturer, corroborated tho evidence of the previous witness with respect to the boot trade.