THE TARIFF ANOMALIES.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume III, Issue 146, 5 June 1913, Page 5

THE TARIFF ANOMALIES.

FARMERS UNFAIR TREATMENT PREMIER PROMISES RELIEF. Auckland. June 4. Several matters which were the subject of 'discussion at the Farmers’ Union Conference in Auckland were brought under the notice of the Prime Minister to-day by a deputation from the union. The first request was by Mr. McCutcheon. who asked for an amendment of the tariff so as to abolish the present 20 per eent. duty on iron fencing posts, lie urged that it was unfair to tax farmers for every mile of fencing. Mr. McCutcheon expressed the opinion that, it was anomalous to admit motor-car parts, fancy goods and habordashc-ry duty free, and burden the farmer with dutv on fencing materials.

The repeal of (he Agricultural Implements Sales Act was requested by Captain Colbeck, who asked that farming machinery should be placed on the free list. The same speaker said the union was opposed to the suggested increase in the duty on boots and shoes, and expressed the hope that the Government would pot be induced to put export duty on hides, and further asked for the removal of the duty on steam rollers.

A protest against differential rating on railways was made by Mr. Duxfield. In connection with the Board of Agriculture the deputation asked that 1 :-pi-esentatives might be selected from the Farmers’ Union. In reply the Prime Minister said that wire being free of duty lie thought it only right that iron posts should also be free, and ho would give Parliament an opportunity of making it free. The Government intended during the coming session >c ask Parliament to do away with a number of the anomalies in the tariff. There was no intention of asking for authority to impose an export duty on hides. As regards steam rollers. Mr. Massey said I Lev should undoubtedly be free ot duty. Regarding the suggestion tmu duties on boots and shr.es should lie raised. Mi'. Massey said lie dul no. think tiie Government would be inclined to increase any duties. The question ci dili'ereiitiatioii in railway rating should. Nir. Massey promised, be one of the very first matters referred to the new General Jianagio on his .arrival in about three months' time. The Prime Minister, replying; to the request regarding representation on tiie proposed Board of Agricult tire. said he would lock into the ■question and see if he could give the Farmers’ I nion representation on the board.