TARIFF COMMISSION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1201, 8 March 1895, Page 19

TARIFF COMMISSION.

Dunedin, March 4. Before the Tariff Commission S. Slesinger suggested increased duties on imported embrocations and blisters. A. Colebrook, of a boot manufacturing firm of London, stated that any great increase in the tariff would be injurious to the Colony, as it would have the effect of inducing a large number of additional factories to start, and cause an influx of workmen quite beyond requirements, and the after-effect of the policy would be disastrous. He thought any increase should not exceed 10 per cent, on the present duties. Some increased protection should be given to colonial kip and calf. Representatives of the Master Bootmakers’ Union and Manufacturers’ Association strongly objected to the ad valorem tariff under present conditions, because a percentage could not be imposed that would permit the local manufacturers to compete with the low prices of imported goods, and at the same time be ' a fair tax on better - class boots and shoes. While asking for a general increase of duty on imported articles, they did not recommend a high fixed duty. It was essential for the trade that certain leather which could not be made should be admitted. A deputation of printers and lithographers asked that the duty be taken off pictorial chromo-lithograph calendars. A manufacturer of Avriting ink asked for an increase of duty on imported writing inks, and delegates from tanners and curriers asked for an increase of duty on imported leathers, and favoured the encouragement of the growing of proper bark for tanning.