THE BUDGET PROPOSALS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7287, 25 June 1885, Page 3

THE BUDGET PROPOSALS.

(Peß XTNMEB P8E3.3 ASSOCIATE!.)

Wellington, June 24,

A meeting of importers of drapery and clothing and shirt manufacturers was held in the Chamber of Commerces hero to-day to consider tho now tariff. The various items affecting their trades were iully considered, and a general feeling expressed to the effect that the new tariff was of so complicated a charactor as to caueo endless annoyance nnd trouble to importers ; that goods were subjact to such different rates of duty that it would bo difficult to dissect tho invoices; that ii was felt each importer would require at least an extra clerk to undertake the work; and that the Ouatoms would have to omploy a large extra staff of expertß in order to enable importers to clear goods immediately on the arrival of a Bteamor and to get.them to the warehouses. It was pointed out that a large shipment would require much careful examina tion, which would cause delay as well as extra charges for wharfage and Btoroge; that the now tariff imposed 18 per cent, ad valorem on many claß3eß of trimmings and liningn used in tailoring manufactures, and which heretofore had been admitted duty freej while chocked : cotton shirtings, whioh were now largely made up in tho Colony and used by the working cla»sos, would also have to pay this duty. One ! largo manufacturer proeont stated that he vreuld, in consequence of llioss duties, have to discharge 30 workwomen who were now earning fair wages. Tho gaueral conclusion arrived at by the meeting was that there ought to be ft propor list of goods free of duty, but with alterations from the present one, and moro clearly defining the soveral articles, Tho meeting expressed themselves roady to suggest sevoral linen of goods now admittod free which they thought might fairly ba charged duty on, such ca white sheetings, grey and twilled sheeting?, and prints: but the duties should be at a uniform rate. If more revenue had to ba raised they would bo willing to admit to such dutioa; but they wanted tho duties, whatever they wore, made clour and simple. A committee was formod to aßk tho Colonial Troasuror to fix a time when he would receive a deputation from the meeting.

A Wish Deacon.—" Deicon Wilder, I/want you to t".H me how jou kepi yourself and family Bo we'l tho past season, when all the roet of us hivn been ti'.k so much, and ha~o hVtl the doctors liinning iO ua en olton." " Brother Taj lov, the answer ia very easy—l used Hop Bitten in time, and kept my family well, and caved larsn doctor's billß. Four chillinga' worth d it koptns all well and ablo to work all tho time, and I wilt warrant It haa C6t you and moat o! tho neighbours £10 to £10') apkca to ltcop eic!j the sanio time. I fancy you'll tako my medicine herealter." Bee.