IMPORTED COSMETICS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23083, 7 July 1938, Page 14

IMPORTED COSMETICS

RETAIL PRICES HIGHER

GOODS FROM AUSTRALIA TARIFF REVISION OUTCOME Increases of from 5 to 40 per cent in tho retail prices of Australian cosmetics and toilet requisites have occurred as a result of the New Zealand tariff revision last April. Australia provides a large proportion of New Zealand's requirements, and about 20 lines in general use aro affected.

Prices quoted by chemists yesterday showed that certain lines of face cream have risen from 3s 6d to 4s, face powders from Is to Is 3d, perfumes from 5s 6d to 6s, and shaving creams from 2s 6d to 3s 6d. Various types of toilet soaps aro now from 5 to 25 per cent dearer.

Cosmetics and toilet goods manufactured in Now Zealand were restricted to about eight lines in general use, it was stated, and the tariff would therefore not help local manufacturers. Agreement was expressed with a Wellington opinion that the tariff "was just another mistake, of the Government in trying to help local manufacturers at the expenso of the people," for it was obvious that the purchaser would have to bear the brunt of the increases on the Australian lines.

Considerable increases are expected in the prices of Australian toilet waters, soaps and other requisites usually sold as Christmas gifts, said one chemist. He added that, as a result of the higher tariff, Australian manufacturers ■would probably find that they had little advantage over foreign competitors in tho New Zealand market.