THE PRICE OF HIDES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3710, 20 December 1912, Page 6

THE PRICE OF HIDES.

EXPORT TAX SUGGESTED

-MINISTER DOES NOT APPRO 'E

[PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM! AUCKLAND, Dec. 19. A deputation consisting of Messrs U arnock and dagger, representing the tannery interests of Auckland, interviewed the Minister for Customs (Mr Fisher) to-day to urge upon the Minister to introduce an export tax on New Zealand hides. It was pointed out that the cost of hides had risen in a few years from 2d or 3d per pound to lOd and 10J-d, due to the world-wide demand for New Zealand hides, our hides being free from many of the defects noticeable m hides from South Africa, Queensland, and other places. The local demand remained unsatisfied as a result of this big drain and the industry was therefore seriously affected. The Minister said there was not the slightest hope of the present Government acceding to such a request. By doing so they would be opening the way Mr a similar request in connection with other natural products, like butter, meat, wool, etc. _That "would never do, and it was as well that the position should be clearly understood.

WHAT TARANAKI THINKS. HAW ERA., Dec. 19. At a meeting of the Taranaki Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Lnion to-day the proposal of the Bootmakers’ Union that instead of increased duty on boots and shoes an export fluty should be placed on hides was discussed. A motion was carried '/that the Executive is strongly opposed to any export duty being placed on hides or any other primary products.”