Primage Duty.

Hastings Standard, Volume XIII, Issue 4310, 13 November 1909, Page 5

Primage Duty.

PROTEST AGAINST THE 1 PER CENT. PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. Wellington, November 12 In connection with the Auckland merchant's protest which was published yesterday, the Prime.Minister has replied as follows: —" Your telegram re Customs duties to hand, and I have carefully considered the representations contained therein. I much regret that I am unable to see my way to comply with the request. Your proposal is one which in effect would mean taxing the 4 breakfast table.' and I have left all free goods out of the I per cent primage duty in order to ensure the policy of those goods which are now free remaining so. For this reason, I do not see my way to make a change in the direction suggested. (Signed) J. G. Ward."

PROTEST FROM NAPJER MERCHANTS. Napier, November 13. Napier merchants have telegraphed to the Premier as follows: "Strongly urge you to reconsider the question of collecting primage on goods now in bond. It will cause great trouble and annoyance. We believe there is a precedent for exempting such goods when a similar impost was made in 1888. The charge will bear unjustly on the importers, who in many instances will be unable to pass on to their customers the trifling individual increased cost. We consider that it is much preferable that the required amount be raised on an increased duty on selected articles. If, however, you decide that the tax is imperative, we urge it should be collected on the arrival of goods "