TARIFF COMMISSION.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXIX, Issue 75, 30 March 1895, Page 2

TARIFF COMMISSION.

TO THE EDITOIt OK THE 'EVE.VIXG MAIL.' Sir, — New Zealand has the reputation of being the most heavily taxed country in the world, but this reputation may soon be lost unless we keep beating onr own record. The Tariff Commission has already received a large amount of evidence and may perhaps receive a little more in Nelson,' which should convince the Government that it has been hitherto only (rilling with taxation, and has been sadly neglectful of the interest of our manufacturci'o anil producers. I have been sorry to notice traces of apparent si'llislmsss, but perhaps it is only lack of faith, on the part of some who wished a few articles to be imported free of duty, on the ground that they are not yet produced in the colony, of as good a quality and as cheaply as they can be imported. I notice the absence from the published reports of one class of "evidence" which I should like to see supplied in Nelson by abler tongues than mine. " Evidence" should be given, or at least "suggestions" made that a real' y prohibiting tariff shouldbe imposed on all imports, including, of course, all ' undesirable immigrants.' There would, no doubt, bo a little temporary inconvenience, hut what an impetus would b 8 given to trade ! Manufacturers would bo full of work, and at their wits' end; new manufactures would of necessity at once arise; farmers, from the North Cape to the Bluff, would be busy raising innumerable kinds of produce for consumption and manufactures; our well known marvellous mineral riches would be opened up; no doubt wages would rise; and this beautiful and wonderful colony would be the paradise of the world. It just occurs to me that" if this really consistent protection should be given there would be little, if any, Customs duty received at all- We should, however, still need a considerable number of Customs officials, and as the revenue could be raised by a vastly extended excise, tho Governmont would have the privilege of creating quite a little army of excise officers and inspectors, over whom, of course, the Government should have complete control. If Nelson will rise to the occition it will no doubt greatly influence the Commissioners in producing a report which will be in harmony with tho groat bulk of the evidence tendered, and ought to amply justify the expense of sending the Commission throughout tho colony. I am, &q, ItuDADAIJ. March 29, 1805.