THE TARIFF.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18172, 18 August 1922, Page 3

THE TARIFF.

Sir, —Your correspondent, C.H.N., in criticising the action of prominent men in Auckland, presumably the Executive of the Industrial Association, for advocating a duty to protect the glassware industry i g rather unfortunate in stating that the " protagonists of a protective policy never by any chance draw attention to the fact that the shutting out of British glass/ware will (1) increase the cost of living, and (2) handicap the local industries, ■which use bottles, etc." A& a matter of fact, thi R aspect of the question was considered before any action was taken by tho association and the glass company offered to give a, guarantee that the present prices of glass bottles, etc., would not be increased if a duty were imposed, so, in this instance, the imposition of a duty ■would neither increase the oost of living nor har>dicap tho local industries. The largest users of bottles, etc., with the exception of one section, strongly favour the establishment of the glass industry. His third contention that it will eurtxil exports is not a matter of moment, as the present volume of imports are of greater value tlian i 3 good for the country, hence the great cry for more production. If, by •utilising our (at present) -waste raw material we can produce more goods for our own use, it will help to provide the margin between exports and imports that is necesi, earv to meet our annual outside interest | charges. J. Ftndla*.