AUSTRALIA’S TARIFF BRITISH COMMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 March 1920, Page 3

AUSTRALIA’S TARIFF

BRITISH COMMENT.

i (By Electric Telegraph—CoDyright, i i v Received this day at 10. hi a.m.) j LONDON, March 29. Australian mercantile circles are anxiously awaiting full details of the tariff proposals. The general feeling approves of the removal of the embargo granting preference to Britain and Dominions with limitations, where economic conditions are lower than Australias. Some merchants consider the new tariff must cause a reduction in British exports to Australia. Mr Tredwen, Chairman of the Australian Merchants’ Association says while giving us | welcome preference over foreigners, . ! Australia evidently does not want to en courage imports. This may raise a I difficult position regarding shipping. Mr Trcdwen states at present steamers are going to Australia with only quarter

cargo. The increased tariff will mean that still less cargo will be shipped and fewer steamers will load for Australia It is therefore likely there will be inefficient tonnag to lift all Australia desires to export. Possibly there will be increased freights for produce to Europe. Soft goods traders, in response to Australian Press enquiries, state they do not think the proposed increased tariff on woollens will adversely affect trade, particularly while present condi-

tions in tlu> world prevail. The full effect to the tariff won’t ho realised until pre-war, conditions are restored but it is likely Australian competition with England for many years to conic will be confined to lower •medium clothes.' Even then it is doubtful whether Australia will be able to produce sufficient for its own needs. The tariff together with the high cost of production and other charges, will bo sufficient to exclude English clothes of first quality from export, to the extent to which the Australian production will fall short of the demand. Regarding the better solid worsted goods, the effect of the extra tariff will he (inappreciable, except to increase the cost to Australian purchasers. Machinery, plant and skilled labour are ail wanting in Australia to enable her to compete seriously hi the production of highly finished clothes.