TARIFF CHANGES

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 112, 8 April 1930, Page 7

TARIFF CHANGES

SERIOUS FALL IN.CUSTOMS. REVENUE TO BE MADE UP. FEDERAL TREASURER’S REPLY. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received April 8, 10.5 a.m. SYDNEY, April 8. The Federal Treasurer, Mr E. G. Theodore, to-day replied to criticism levelled at the new tariff schedule. Mr Theodore said he was well aware that there would be a serious fall in Customs revenue owing to the tariff increases and restrictions. He anticipated that this would aggregate £5,000,000, and some means would have to be taken to bridge this gap. Mr Theodore added that the adverse effect upon importing houses would be more than counterbalanced by the increased activity of Australian industries. “We were forced by economic circumstartces to take drastic action, but we are not aiming at any country in particular,’’ he stated. ' - Speaking at a luncheon . connected with an exhibition of wool products, Mr Theodore said that luxury importations, into Australia amounted to £27,000,000 per annum, most of which could be well done without. The State Premier, Mr T. R. Bavin, pointed out that the value of wool in a man’s eight guineas suit was about seven shillings. He said that there was where a reduction should be made to the consumer., He added that the best way to sell more wool was to sell more wool cheaply to Australians. DEFENCE ECONOMIES. huge"saving. Received April 8, 10.5 a.m. MELBOURNE, April 8. Farther heavy economies to be effected in the Defence Department will probably result in saving £700,000. The only ships to remain in commission are the cruisers Australia and Canberra, the aircraft carrier Albatross, and one destroyer, The Success. It is estimated that 20 per cent, of the clerical staff will be dismissed.