AMERICAN DUTIES ON AUSTRALIAN WOOLS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1612, 21 April 1879, Page 3

AMERICAN DUTIES ON AUSTRALIAN WOOLS.

Tho following circular to the various Australian Chambers of Commerce has been published in the ■* Sydney Morning Herald “ Sydney Chamber of Commerce, March 2-ith, 1879. “ To tho Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce.

“Dear Sir, —I have the honor to forward herewith the following resolution on the subject of American duties on Australian wool, agreed to by this Chamber : “ ‘ That in the opinion of this Chamber the approach of the International Exhibitions of New South Wales and Victoria, at which the United States will probably exhibit largely, makes this a favorable time for pressing upon public opinion in America the expediency of abolishing or reducing the ad valorem duty charged upon Australian wools, as a means of promoting trade between the two countries, and that the Chambers of Commerce in the colonies bo invited to associate themselves with this Chamber in joint action to secure the end in view.’

“ I also forward for the information of your members an extract from a letter addressed by our chairman, the Hon. J. B. Watt, M.L.C., to the president of the Chamber of Commerce, New York, after a personal interview ; together with extracts from the despatches of Mr Augustus Morris, Executive Commissioner of this colony at the exhibition held at Philadelphia. From the latter it will bo seen that the manufacturers of the United States are anxious for the removal of those duties ; and Mr Morris was instrumental in moving the Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means in the House of Representatives to introduce a Bill for their reduction, but owing to the Presidential election the question was allowed to lapse. In terms of the foregoing resolution, it is thought now that the colonics of New South Wales and Victoria have issued invitations to the world for their exhibitions, at which, according to advices, the United States will be largely represented, the present opportunity is a most favorable one for representing to our commercial brethren in America the disadvantage under which they and we labor in efforts to establish a trade between the United States and the colonies, so long as, on their side, the importation of our staple product is virtually prohibited. “ Before taking action the committee would be glad to learn the views of your members on the subject, and when in receipt of replies from the various chambers, will submit for your consideration a proposal embodj ing to the fullest possible extent the views of the concurring chambers. Still, to save time, I am to observe it is suggested that our action should take the following direction : —A joint memorial addressed to the leading chambers of commerce in the United States, urging the abolition of the duties imposed upon Australian wool by the American tariff. “ I need scarcely add, however, that in a matter of such mutual concern the Sydney chamber is anxious to fall in with the views of the majority of the other chambsrs. “We invite the expression of your views and cordial co-operation.

“I am, dear sir, jours very truly, “Cha9. H. Hayes, Secretary.”