CLOTHING TRADES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23048, 27 May 1938, Page 13

CLOTHING TRADES

NO TARIFF INCREASE h 1 —— IMPORTERS' APPRECIATION • "The assurance by Mr. Savage that the Government does not intend" to increase the tariff on English clothiiijg comes as a justified relief to the linporting community," says the Bureau of Importers (Incorporated) in commenting on the Prime Minister's statement appearing in yesterday's Hekaud. "Recently," states tne bureau, "we sent a deputation to wait upon the Prime Minister regarding the suggested tariff increase on English clothing. The deputation very clearly pointed out that any such increase •would first $f all mean a flagrant breach of tie Ottawa agreement, and, secondly,:: it was unjustifiable. Furthermore, whiTe it was conceded that production costs had increased in New Zealand, evidence was adduced proving that similar increases had taken place in England.* 5 * "The Prime Minister's statement that the recent tariff increase on English footwear was simply an adjusting duty to offset the increased production costs of the local manufacturer ''is hardly consistent with the Hon. D. Sullivan's assurance that the footwear manufacturers throughout New Zealand would now be in a position to reduce their prices. We hope," concludes the bureau, "that the Prime Minister tfiJl realise the inequity of the present footwear tariff and take sucn action as will enable the importer to compete oh the local market." ,