GERMAN GOODS

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9096, 15 July 1915, Page 4

GERMAN GOODS

FARMERS SUGGEST A SURTAX,

At the conference of the Council ot Agriculture yesterday it was ]V oposed hy the* Ashburton delegates:—“That there Is no better way in which farmers can help to keep Germany, in check than by refusing to buy German manufactures; and, wnerever possible, by ■ pui chasing in oreferenco British goods within the Empire; and by shipping in British ships.’ The mover (Mr U. G. Wright) said that New Zealand was forty years late in adopting this policy. Referring to the 'ast part of the remit, he said that the present war would not bo the _ only attempt to wrest away from Britain her magnificent Empire. ' Nations, that were /low friendly might-become enemies in ;ho future. , Preferential trade within the Empire should be the aim of all statesmen. ■ • f Mr J. C. N. Qrigg seconded the motion, and spoke strongly in favour of preferen-, ,;ial trade. If, New Zealand and other colonies had a protective tariff there would bo a financial crash in Germany, because she had no colonies left. k Great Britain had -spent -inillfSna on Eer CO 101 l ll iej without any return. As -a result of the Boor War the surtax oT 10 per cent, was introduced by tbe late. Biobard Seddon to help British trade.) But the surtax did not operate whore there was no duty. He believed there was a bill before the House on the subject, and hO

thought that tho conference should support it. Other members advocated free trade within the Empire and a protective tariff against the rest of the world. It was pointed out that though nominally Great Britain did not allow preference to Now Zealand, she lent her money at a cheaper rate than other countries, and the Dominion benefited in. this way to tho .extent of .£1,000,000 a year. The remit'was carried unanimously. A Canterbury recommendation was submitted:—“That all German •goods, now prohibited from importation ‘ during the war, be 1 not allowed to enter. Now Zealand after the war, except under a-50 pot cent, surtax over and above the regular import duties.” It., also was received with approval, and passed without a dissentient voice.