A QUESTION OF TARIFF

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10962, 26 July 1921, Page 5

A QUESTION OF TARIFF

DUTY ON IMPORTED WINES. AUSTRALIA AND SOUTOf AFRICA. A communication was received by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce yesterday stating that at the annual meeting of the -Federal Vitacultural Council of Australia, held at Adelaide, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:—“That on account of the geographical proximity, and many kindred interests of Australia and New Zealand, thd granting of a very serious preference by New Zealand to the wines of South Africa over those of Australia is to be deplored, and that this council urges the claims of Australian wines to equal treatment with those of South Africa.?’

The communication went on to say that a copy of the resolution had been sent to the chairman of the New Zealand Tariff Commission, and that tho council expressed a hope that it would have the 00-operation of the Chamber of Commerce, and that reciprocity would he achieved before long. It was decided to “receive” the letter. Mr M. A. Carr (president) thought it would be unwise at this stage for the chamber to commit itself to any expression of opinion as to whether they should' place South Africa and Australia on the same footing. At the present time New Zealand was on no better footing than America . and other countries so far as Australia was concerned. It seemed to him that steps should he taken by Australia to place New Zealand on a fairer basis. However, a new tariff was coming soon, and' it would be unwise to d.o anything in the matter just now.