The Commonwealth.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 263, 15 November 1901, Page 2

The Commonwealth.

By Telegraph. Press Association. Copyright. Melbourne, Nov. 14. Consideration of tho tariff in detail has been resuinod. Attempts to reduce the duties on beer and spirits were tived.In the House of Representatives, failing to obtain a satisfactory explanation of the Government’s proposed amendment of the tariff, the Opposition moved the adjournment, but Ministers, beyond giving an assurance that the Government were investigating with the object of placing a well-digested tariff before the country, and that they would not attempt to tako any advantage of the House, refused to disclose their hand.

THE TARIFF. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received Nev. 15,1 a.m.) Melbourne, Nov. 14. With reference to tho proposed changes of tea duties, Mr Turner did not definitely state they would come into operation tomorrow, but intended to ask the House to adopt the alterations. Tho altered items are tea, rice, kerosene, cotton, and linen goods, which are looked upon as only revenue duties, and will receive every consideration. Probably the Committee will be asked to allow them to stand over till the rest of tho tariff is dealt with and the revenue therefrom ascertained, which will bo a guide how to deal with tho revenue lines mentioned.

ALTERATION OF DUTIES. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Melbourne, Nov. 14. In the House of Representatives Mr Turner announced that after considering the objections raised in regard to certain items of the tariff'ho liad decided that the following .alterations come into operation to-morrow : —To cease collecting package duties; to make duties on chocolate, cocoa, and confectionery, twopence; tea, in bulk threepence, in package fourpenee per pound. Percentage duties: These items being dropped, fix those of earthenware and glassware at twenty per cent. A further statement will be made on Tuesday in reference to duties on rice, kerosene, cotton, ani linen goods.