THE VICTORIAN TARIFF.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9437, 7 August 1889, Page 5

THE VICTORIAN TARIFF.

As soon as the Legislative Assembly met, on July 30, Mr. Gillies delivered the Budget statement. The Chamber was well filled, and the public galleries were crowded. The Treasurer congratulated the House on the very satisfactory condition of the finances of the country. The Government have abandoned the idea of consolidating the tariff, and would confine their dealings with it to alterations. Amongst the principal proposed alterations were : oats and barley, increased from 2s to 3s per cental ; fruits and vegetables, preserved, increases equivalent to .Id per lb ; fruits, pulp, duty of 2d per lb ; fruits, green, raised from 9d to Is Gel per bushel; butter and oleomargarine, a duty of Is per lb ; tea, reduced from 3d to Id per lb. A number of other alterations would be made, principally in the direction of a slight increase. Amongst the articles to be exempted from duty are rabbit asphyxiators, dairy refrigerators, butter workers, portable and traction engines, fire engines, and refrigerating machinery. It was proposed to alter the law respecting the importation of opium, which would involve a loss of £5000 per annum. The Government programme included the reduction of the letter postage to Id. It was not intended to propose an increase in the stock tax, as the country had decided against it. The Government felt bound to bow to the decision, believing the tax would interfere with national unity. He denied that the increase of the grain duties would have a similar effect, and believed that an increased stock tax would greatly injure the farmers. He thought their interests would be better served by agricultural bonuses, irrigation, and cheap railway transit than by a tax, which would interfere with the trade with the neighbouring colonies. The Government desired to make peace with the fanning community, but it must be peace with honour.