TARIFF REFORM.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIII, Issue 10601, 9 March 1895, Page 3

TARIFF REFORM.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sie,—Being interested in watching the development of colonial industries, I have carefully noted the evidence tendered to the Tariff Commission, at least, as much of it that has been made public. The Government undoubtedly did the correct thing when appointing a Commission to inquire into the various industries, but the task of fairly weighing the evidence, and advising Parliament therpon, will be no light or easy matter. The boot trade, for example, has been very conspicuous, and while one section of the trade makes proposals as being calculated to benefit the workers, another section,‘in their anxiety for the bootmakers’ benefit, predict that all sorts of dreadful things will happen to them if the people cease wearing imported hoots and take the locally-made article instead. What is the position of the boot trade to-day ? Manufacturers are unable to employ their usual staff, and those that remain with them are only partially employed, and while there is no increase in the number of factories in the colony, there is scarcely one manufacturer who is able to employ the same number of hands that he did four years ago. Now, what is the reason ? The undoubted answer is the cheap, .shoddy stuff from the other side of the world. A look at the Customs returns will clearly prove this, and will show that the average price has steadily fallen year by year. The public are not benefited by this class of foot wear, and the proposals appear to be intended to make the importation of cardhoard and basil boots and shoes impossible. The proposals ought to have the support of the working men throughout the country. It is very amusing to read the reasons given by importers against the proposals of the makers of boots aiid shoes in New Zealand; they would appear to be thinking only cf the New Zealand bootmakers, but those who study the trade know that every gross of boots sold by these travelling gentlemen means one hundred and forty-four pairs less to be made by the workmen, whose interests th6w have so much at heart.—l am, &c., £ LOCAL INDUSTRY.