The Tariff Commission.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XX, Issue 6228, 10 April 1895, Page 4

The Tariff Commission.

(BY TELEGRAPH.) Welu>gton, April 9. At the Tariff Commission a representative of Wright, Ranish and Co., billiard table makers, urged that slatss in the rough be exempt. D. Sladden, manager of the Wellington Meat Export Company, pointed out the desirability of admitting duty free the first machine or installation of machinery ©f any class not hitherto in use in the colony. In many instances, he said, the first importer Days a heavy duty upon machinery which can afterwards be copied in the colony, and provides a large amount of work for foundries and engineers' shops. He also recommended the free importing of salt, especially Adelaide salt. William Hutchinson, a delegate from the Bootmakers' Union, gave evidence on behalf of his union to endorse the representations made by the Christchurch Bootmakers' Union on the tariff charges injuriously affecting their trade. They did not wish for the introduction of a high fixed tariff, bnt merely the adoption of a Bystem of duties that was said to have worked with satisfactory results in America. In moot cises it involved an advance of the present duty. The witness said that about 150 members of the Wellington Union were employed in local factories, but work was not continuous. If the recommendations were given effect to about 150 per cent more hands might be employed in Wellington. The Commissioners have applied for an extension of time to 31st May.