A COMPARISON IN METHODS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 7 August 1926, Page 15

A COMPARISON IN METHODS.

Within the last ten years a fme upstanding automobile manufacturing industry lias been built up in Canada under the protection of a high tariff wall against foreign-built motor vehicles, which has been a very line thing for the people connected with the industry. On the other hand Canada needed cheap transportation. Protests loud and deep against the high prices of motor-cars poured in on the Government, which was placed in the position of haying to make a choice between a most promis-' ing industry and giving the people as

a whole cheap transportation. Tho Canadian authorities sacrificed the industry to tho general need for trans* port, by reducing the tariff on motor vehicles and making it possible for motor vehicles to be purchased at a price below the figure at which they could be built and sold by the Canadian factories. In the end, the Canadian handling of the problem will undoubtedly bring the greatest good for tlre greatest number. Australia needs transportation, which is the foundation of all industry. She needs motor vehicles, and these should be available at the lowest possible price, to stimulate commercial activity, and increase individual efficiency in developing the country. The Commonwealth authorities on the other hand, having no automobile manufacturing industry to consider, have formulated a plan of raising money for roads, by increasing the tariff on motor Vehicles, petrol and tyres, which will have the effect of inereafeing the cost of motor transport throughout the country, the wisdom of which is doubtful.