IMPORT TAX FOR THE NAYY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15140, 2 November 1912, Page 7

IMPORT TAX FOR THE NAYY.

URGED AT TRADE COMMISSION J IMPERIAL RECIPROCITY. i By Telegraph.—Pren Association.—Copyright. ' (Received November 1, 10.30 p.m.) London, November. 1. In giving evidence before the Empire Trade Commission, Sir J. W. Taverner (Agent-General for Victoria), said that the development of Australia's trade was the outcome of British enterprise, and that it should not have to compete with the cheap labour of foreign countries. He advocated Imperial reciprocity. The British pioneers, the witness said, were not receiving the recognition and support they were entitled to from the Motherland in developing their resources. Great. Britain should assist in opening direct trade with Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol, and Hull, and should encourage trade in. Australian wines and dried fruits by means of maximum and minimum tariffs. The Chairman reminded the witness that fiscal questions were outside the scope of the Commission. Sir J. W. Taverner, however, supported a primage duty on all foreign imports, two-thirds of the duty to be devoted to the upkeep of the navy and the remainder to promote trade within the Empire. He- also advocated an all-British cable service and reductions in postal charges on Australian newspapers.