TARIFF REVISION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21716, 3 February 1934, Page 10

TARIFF REVISION

When the chairman of-the Commercial Committee of the House of Commons advises New Zealand to "live up to the Ottawa Agreement at once," there is a clear inference that Britain is becoming a little impatient over the long-delayed tariff revision the Dominion undertook to make. Sir John Sandeman Allen, M.P., is a man of very'wide associations in the realm of commerce, and a thorough-going Imperialist of the type that New Zealand can take to its heart. He can thus be frank without arousing rancour or stirring the prejudices that proceed from youthful nationalism. Most of the people of the Dominion will applaud his frankness on this occasion. He used few words and spoke in the spirit of friendship. Thus, his advice received added emphasis. Early last year Mr. Coates placed the responsibility for the delay in instituting the tariff inquiry upon the British Government, which, he said, had requested a postponement for a few months. It is common knowledge that some British manufacturing interests had themselves put off the preparation of the case they were entitled to lay before the Tariff Revision Commission. But Sir John, who must be familiar with the whole course of events since Ottawa, makes no reference to any retarding British influence. The New Zealand Government cannot escape a considerable share of the blame. The Dominion's word having been given at Ottawa, it was its duty to set up the commission of inquiry immediately, and prescribe a time limit to all trading interests, whether in Britain or New Zealand, for the submission of their arguments. It unfortunately seems to be the case that the smaller the country the more political anxiety there is to respect the wishes of the most minor interests. Every interest is entitled to be heard, of course, but at the time and within the period appointed by the Government. There was no! reason why the inquiry should not have been started the moment the Ottawa Agreement was confirmed, and the tariff alterations carried out within six months. Apologists for the delay may assert that revenue considerations made such expedition impossible. If that is so, then the undertaking should not have been given to reduce the protective duties where necessary "as speedily as possible." New Zealand's signature must not be attached to documents unless the country is prepared to honour its bond within a reasonable period.