THE TARIFF COMMISSION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIII, Issue 10597, 5 March 1895, Page 6

THE TARIFF COMMISSION.

[Pee. Fbksb Association.] DUNEDIN, March 4. At the Tariff Commission meeting, Mr L. Slesinger aaked for increased _ duties on imported embrocations and blisters, Mr A. Colebrook, of a boot manufacturing firm of London, stated that any great increase in fcbe tariff would ba injurious to the colony, as it would have the effect of inducing a large number of additional factories to start, and cause an influx of workmen quite beyond the requirement!), and the after effect of the policy would be disastrous He thought that the increase should not exceed 10 per cent on the present duties. Some increased protection should be given to colonial kip and calf. Representatives of the Master Bootmakers’ Union and the Manufacturers’ Association strongly objected to an ad valorem tariff under the present conditions, because a percentage on figures could not be imposed that would permit local manufacturers to compote with low-priced imported goods, and at the tmine time be a fair tax on the better class of boots and shoes. While asking fora general increase of tho duty on imported articles, they did not recommend a high fixed duty. It was essential for tho trade that certain leather which could not ba made here should be admitted. A deputation of printers and lithographers asked that the duty should be taken off pictorial chromo-lithograph calendars. A manufacturer of writing ink asked for an increase of duty on imported writing inks, and delegates from the tanners and curriers aaked for an increase of duty on imported leathers, and favoured the encouragement of growing proper bark for tanning purposes.