BUTTER AND CHEESE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 14 December 1927, Page 9

BUTTER AND CHEESE

AUSTRALIAN TARIFF. DUTIES INCREASED. TRADE WITH DOMINIONS. BY CABLE—PKESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT. Received 2.20 p.m. to-day. CANBERRA, Dec. 14. The tariff debate was resumed in the House of Representatives, when butter and cheese items were considered. The duties proposed in the new schedule are (id tor British, 61d for intermediate, and 7d for general, as compared with 3d per pound all round in We old schedule. The Minister of Customs (the Hon. Mr. Pratten) said that this item had been exhaustively investigated, and it was felt that, as the dairy industry did not hold out very great attractions to those engaged therein, it was the duty of Parliament to do what it could to help.' Referring to the reciprocal trade agreement with New Zealand, _ Mr. Pratten isaid that the principal items which were imported from New Zealand were butter, meat, fish, and timber, which with smaller items represented £1,161,000 of the trade for New Zealand in items ux>on which New Zealand was entitled to preference. Australia sent to New Zealand £1,355,000 worth, upon which Australia was entitled to preference. In items not enjoying preference New Zealand sent £i,215,000 worth, while in similar items Australia sent to New Zealand 2,133,000 worth. It seemed to the Minister that the time was now opportune for the Federal Ministry to renew negotiations with the New Zealand authorities in respect to the reciprocal agreement. Mr. Francis (Queensland) said that the. benefits from the Paterson scheme were almost nullified by the large importations of butter from New Zealand. which was subject to 'a duty of only 2d per pound. Mr. Seullin said that he was satisfied that exports of butter from New Zealand were controlled by speculators and that they were acting detrimentally to the producers in Australia. The item was agreed to.