CANADIAN GOODS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 9 December 1924, Page 5

CANADIAN GOODS

PREFERENCE DUTY

NEW BASIS SUGGESTED.

\ MINISTER’S OPINION

LBY TEL.E6B.APU. —PKEBS ASSOCIATION.} WELLINGTON, Dec. 9. ( The representations of the Canadian Government ior a reduction irom •76 per cent, to 50. per cent, as the . basis of material and workmanship of British origin recently imposed by Australia and New Zealand on manufactured imported goods to qualiiy for the British preferential tariff, were discussed by the Minister of Customs, Industries. and Commerce (Hon. Downie Steivart), who set out the difficulties in the way of such a concession. ‘‘The Government agreed,” said the Minister, “to give a trial to the 75 per cent, proposal, in view of t-»e great importance of maintaining a uniform practice, both in Australia and New Zealand, as otherwise exporters would be put to grave in-' convenience. Recently the Government has received representations from Canada with respect to the adoption of the 50 per cent, basis in lieu of the 75 per cent, basis, and is at present communicating with the Governments of that country and Australia. It should, however, be recognised that iii coming, to a decision it is necessary to view, the matter from many angles. Consideration had to he given, among other things, to the interests of our own manufactures and those m other parts of the British Empire, and also to the difficulties which are created for exporters if each Dominion adopts ait independent system, involving different forms of certified invoices, with consequent delay and inconvenience caused to importers'in New Zealand and elsewhere through the documents not being in order when the goods arrive.”