AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XX, Issue 75, 12 March 1930, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

SUPER-TARIFF

A DRAST'C EXPEDIENT.

FINANCE FOR TOURISTS

(United Press Association—By CableCopyright.)

(Received 12, 10.5 a.m.) London, March 11

The Australian section of the British Manufacturers’ Association hurriedly held a meeting to consider the rumoured super tariff in Australia.

Sir Arthur Balfour said it would be a drastic expedient to cure a temporary situation. Experience bad proved it easy to raise a tariff but very difficult to lower it.

Owing to the increase in the Australian duty on British-made cigars 100 British cigar-makers were permanently unemployed and the number of cigars made had dropped by 2,000,000. said Mr. A. Wall, secretary to the London Trades Council, presiding at the conference. Employers in the cigar trade were called together to consider methods of reviving the industry. The Australian section of the British Manufacturers’ Association has cabled Melbourne headquarters: "Most distressed at the suggested tariff increase and propose that if an increase is deemed necessary. British goods should be excepted.”

STILL COING HOME.

MONEY FOR TRAVEL.

(United Press Association—By CableCopyright.) (Received 12, 8.55 a.m.)

Sydney, March 12. The restriction of credit for Australians travelling overseas has had no appreciable effect on the number sailing in the immediate future, but the general opinion is that a decline must set in shortly. The tourist season is now at its height and it is common knowledge that some snipping companies are assisting travellers in their financial arrangements rather than lose their tourist business. The companies concerned accept in Australia amounts limited to a few hundred pounds sterling from customers and issue a receipt payable at the other end. The ns I I charge ranges to four per cent

THE CONVERSION LOAN.

THREE MILLIONS OVERSUBSCRIBED.

(United Press Association—Bj CableCopyright.) (Received 12, 10.0 a.m.) Sydney March 12. Subscriptions to the Commonwealth six per cent, conversion and redemption loan were £3,000,000 over the amount required. The total amount to be covered is £14,400,000, which falls due for payment next Saturday. The Treasurer already has £24,000,000 in hand towards the £60,000,000 conversion loan due next December. The total amount subscribed is £13,401,000, of which £7,653,000 represents cash subscriptions and £5,748,000 eonversion applications. The number of subscriptions was 32,000. In face of these facts the Treasurer, the Hon. E. G. Theodore, said there was no doubt of Australia’s ability to arrange her local conversions in the fffture as in the past without recourse to the oversea market.' SMALLPOX CASE. NARKUNDA AT FREMANTLE (United Press Association—By CableCopyright.) (Received 12. 10.0 a.m.) Fremantle, March 12. No communication with passengers is permitted on board the Narkunda because of the smallpox patient put ashore at Colombo. Following a medical examination it is reported that no suspicion has been aroused of the health of any passenger. The Fremantle passengers were taken to the quarantine station and all mails were fumigated. It is understood that the Narkunda is proceeding to Melbourne in quarantine. Among the Narkunda's passengers are Mr. and Mrs. Glennie, of Havelock North. DISPUTE ON COALFIELDS. OWNERS TO OPEN ONE OR TWO MINES. (United Press Association—By CableCopyright.) (Received 12, 11.35 a.m.) Sydney, March 12. The coal mine owners are said to be contemplating opening one or two more mines on the compromise terms agreed upon by the miners’ leaders. It is expected that Richmond Main will be the first pit where a call for labour will be made.

RESTRICTION OF IMPORTS.

DRASTIC ACTION RUMOURED.

(United Preu A»eoclatlon-By CableCopyright.)

(Received 12. 2.5 p m.) Canberra, March 12

Though Ministers decline to make a statement, rumours are persistent that drastic tariff action is contemplated with the object of restricting imports. The suggestions are (1) a primage dutv up to three per cent on the entire schedule, producing about £4,000.000; (2) a super tax of a much higher amount on a great manv items or the to+al prohibition of the importation thereof; this however, would raise much questioning as to what constituted a luxury; (3) a further tariff schedule, either increasing the existing duties or imposing new ones. Western Australian members of Parliament view the prospect of increased duties with alarm ns detrimental to the western State’s progress. and it is hinted that if drastic action is attempted Western Aus. tralia will have to consider its relationship with the Commonwealth It n.-eds practically free trade for ten years to enable it progress with its own resources.