TARIFF ALTERATIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13995, 30 August 1907, Page 6

TARIFF ALTERATIONS

THE CYCLING TRADE.

(From Odr Own Correspondent.) ' ■ WELLINGTON, August 29. A deputation representing Christchureh bicyolo manufacturers, dealers, and employees had tlio good fortune after tlio exercise of some patient waiting to obtain an interview with the Hon. Mr Millar tiiis morning. The deputation consisted of Messrs E. H, Summers, C 4. Milne, and A. R. Barker, and they were introduced by Mr 15)1.

They brought before the Minister the hardship which would be inflicted on cycle manufacturers if the proposals in the tariff regarding bicycle fittings wore agreed to, and stated that the allegation made in tlio House on Wednesday evening that all parts used in the manufacture of cycles were on the froo list, was not acoutate. l?urther, they succeeded in convincing Mr Millar that several parts, consisting of bullhead complete, bottom bracket, complete, chain and chain whecle, hubs, etc., were not on the free list, but were subject to a. duty of 20 per cent. As an indication of tho present state o[ cycle manufacturing in the colony, the deputation stated that in Christahurch, the centre of the industry, firms that five years ago were each employing from 30 to 40 hands were now employing only about 12. This was due to the ■importation of the cheap English-built article.

The Minister expressed his desire to assist the" trade, and stated that he was prepared to place the parts mentioned by tlift deputation on the free list.

This decision is of great importance to tlio industry, but it i* doubtful whether it will l)o effective in preventins; the dumping ot cheap machines from the Commonwealthi According to information received by olio or two large New Zealand firnis, it is tlio intention of large importers in Australia, in view of the proposed Commonwealth duly of £5 per machine, not, to clear tho machines they have arriving, hut to send them on to Ihis country. It is understood that an attempt ie to bo made b.y those interested in the cycle trade in Wellington to ask the Minister to place a duty of. £2 each on all imported machines, irrespective of tho country of manufacture. It is not thought liltely that the Minister will favourably consider this request.

DUTY ON WHEAT AND FLOUR. (Per United Press Assoowtiox.) CHRISTCHURCH, August 29.

At the annual meeting of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce this afternoon tho president-elect, Mr A. Kayc, said it had boon felt that the chamber should send it resolution to the Government on the subject of the removal of the duties on wheat and flour. He moved—"That in. the -interests of the agricultural community of New Zealand- it is very undesirable that the existing duties on wheat and flour should be interfered with in the direction of any -reduction." Anyone who looked at the subject with an unbiased mind muet agree that it would be a bad day ■when these duties were taken off. Those who did. not know the full bearing of the matter might desiro to remove these duties, tut if that were done and their farmers gavo up growing wheat, they would bo at tho mercy of Australia, and the North Island would bo mado the dumping ground for the Australian surplus. It was held that tho understanding between tho millers was not a right one, but they were forced into the position through tho circumstances with, which they were surrounded. Their output 'was moro than tho demand, aud they had to do something to preserve themselves from ruin. Since thie had been .done tho millers had made a manufacturing .profit, ■which, as it was made in a fair and legitimate manner, they should not grudgo. them. Instead of having the local wheat they had now. if these duties wero removed they would have none at all.

Mr Todhnnter eeconded tho motion.- If the duties wero taken off it would act disastrously as regarded U\o community as a whole. It would be a bad thing if New Zealand vrero dependent on outsido supply for her breadstuff's* Tho day would undor these circumstances surely come when tho consumers would havo to pay very dearly indeed for their flour, and they would mo tho day when the duties' were removed. *

The motion was then put and carried, with the addition, on tto suggestion of Mr A. H. Turnbull, that a copy be sent to the Canterbury members, with a. request that they would support it.