WATCHES AND CLOCKS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20642, 14 August 1930, Page 13

WATCHES AND CLOCKS.

EFFECT OF EXTRA DUTIES.

HEAVY BLOW TO TRADE. CRITICISM OF THE PROPOSALS. [jjY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Views of members of tlic New Zealand Watchmakers and Jewellers' Association on extra duties on watches and clocks were made clear in a statement by the president of the association, Mr. 11. S. Hislop, manager of Stewart Dawson and Company, Limited. Prior to the new Government measure watches were imported into New Zealand and landed with duty and charges at 31 per cent., said Mr. Ilislop. Under the tariff proposed, in the first place the cost of landing' watches increased to 672 per cent. The Government had since, as the result of a protest from ail (he jewellers in the Dominion, reduced the duty, so that the landing charges amounted to 54 per cent., being an increase of 23 per cent. The Prime Minister informed the deputation that the main reason for such an increase was for the purpose of increasing revenue and at the same time encouraging trade within the Empire. "Regarding the latter," said Mr. Hislop, "we would point out that there being only one firm manufactuiing watches there, the watch manufacturing industry in Great Britain is incapable of supplying the markets with the goods required. The total value of imports of British watches for the year 1929 was £2343, while Swiss and other watches imported amounted co £105,645, showing that Britain could supply only 2 per cent, of the total. "These extra duties," continued Mr. Hislop, "will bo a very serious blow for the small jewellery traders throughout New Zealand, as thfcy arc not in the position to carry large stocks, and so are immediately penalised. As far ;»s encouraging British trade is concerned, 'the fact, remains that Britain, Canada and the United States, and practically the whole world arc dependent upon Switzerland for their supplies. As regards the Prime Minister's idea of getting more revenue from watches imported, the sale of good watches will be greatly decreased, and the result will be that a cheaper grade of foreign watch will be imported. "The jewellers contend that watches and clocks are a vital necessity, and should not be classed as luxuries. They also recognise that more revenue is needed and are quite prepared to do their share, but to be singled out for such an abnormal increase as propdsed will be. ruination for many of the smaller firms." In conclusion, Mr. Hislop said the ordinary household clocks sold in New Zealand were practically all of foreign make. The duty on them was formerly 45 j'-er cent. Now they were subjected to an increase which meant that by the time they were landed in New Zealand the extra cost was about 72 per cent