ITEMS IN THE BILL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21911, 21 September 1934, Page 13

ITEMS IN THE BILL

SECONDARY INDUSTRIES

EFFECT OF LOWER RATES GLASS BOTTLE MANUFACTURE [by tkt.kgraph—rnr.ss association] WELLINGTON, Thursday Consideration of the schedules to the Customs Acts Amendment Bill was resumed in the House of Representatives to-dav.

Protests against the halving of duty on baking powder were made by Opposition and Independent members, it being stated that New Zealand baking powder was equal to anything produced anywhere else. Baking powder was sold more cheaply in New Zealand -than in Britain, Australia or America, and the industry was an efficient and flourishing one.

The Minister of Customs, Mr. Coates, said 10 per cent gave the industry adequate protection. If a high duty were maintained, there was nothing to say that the price might not bo increased.

As naphthalene was a "by-product of coal and was manufactured in several gasworks in New Zealand, the removal of the 10 per cent duty was criticised. The Hon. J. G. Cobbe said the duty was not required. Mr. C. A. Wilkinson (Independent— Egmont) urged that an inquiry should be made into the rennet industry and into allegations that dumping was going on. He said that rennet costing 92s a case in London was sold for 94s in New Zealand, notwithstanding exchange and freight charges that had to be paid. He complimented the Government on prohibiting the export of veils, as there was not an over-supply for New Zealand manufacturers. The first division of the day was taken on an amendment by Mr. C. A. Wilkinson (Independent —Egmont) to admit linoleum free of duty. The amendment was lost by 37 votes to 30. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. M. J. Savage, protested against the reduction by 5 per cent in the duty on leather goods. However, he said, he could do nothing, and the Government must take the responsibility for the reductions.

Mr. W. J. Jordan (Labour —Manukau) made another appeal on behalf of the glass bottle industry. He said the works in his district employed 130 men. The industry was capable of expansion and all New Zealand materials were used >n the manufacture of bottles. He urged that the duty should be 25 per cent, and moved accordingly. Mr. Wilkinson suggested that the duty on foreign bottles should be increased to 50 per cent. The House rose at 1.15 a.m. with the items unfinished.