NEW ZEALAND PRODUCTS BENEFIT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19014, 9 November 1923, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND PRODUCTS BENEFIT.

MR MASSEY’S GOOD OFT ICES. LONDON, November i. In tho interests of the New Zealand fruitgrowers, Mr Massev has been successful in obtaining preference against its foreign competitors, amounting to 5s per cwt on fresh apples imported to Britain from Empire countries; also a preference of 10s per cwt on honey. These concessions were announced by the President of the Board of Trade (Sir Philip LloydGreame) at the conference this morning. They will, of course, be subject to ratification by the British Parliament. It was announced, also, that a preference amounting to 10s per cwt lias been granted on canned salmon.—A. and N.Z. Cable. CONCESSION TO DOMINIONS. DISTINCTIVE MARKING OF GOODS. (Special to Press Association.) LONDON, November 7. (Received Nov. a, at 5.5 p.m.) The Minister of Agriculture (Sir Robert Sanders) announced at this afternoon’s sitting of the conference that it had been agreed to amend the Merchandise Marks Bill in the direction advocated by Mr Massey, and that the words “Empire produce,” in addition to the words “foreign produce,” should be used in the Bill. At present the shops are compelled to show Only home-grown and foreign placards, and the proposal is to enforce the distinction between foreign and Empire produce. Tlie concession, which will require legislative confirmation, is expected to have a very considerable beneficial effect on overseas Empire produce, especially meat. —A. and N.Z. Cable. (Received Nov. 8, at 9.30 p.m.) Mr Massey, who has been urging upon the Imperial Government the desirability of distinguishing between home-grown, foreign, and Empire meat, has received an assurance from the Minister of Agriculture that he will take steps to amend the Merchandise Marks Act to give effect to the suggestion.—A. and N.Z. Cable. PREFERENCES CONFIRMED. THE BENEFITS INDICATED. LONDON, November 7. (Received Nov. 8, at 9.30 p.m.) Mr Bruce is gratified at the further preferential proposals. He believes that the British Government is prepared to concede preference as far as it can within the present limits of its ability. The preference on apples, fruit juice, and honey has been confirmed. Another preference conceded ic fid a gallon on lime-juice. The tobacco preference has been increased from one-sixth to onefourth. , It is understood that the apple preference is primarily intended to benefit Australia and Canada against Western American competition. The salmon benefit is against the recently-increasing Japanese competition. The honey preference will benefit Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa against foreigners generally. SHIPPING INCOME TAX. COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS. LONDON, November 7. A report has been drawn up IW the Imperial Shipping Committee on the methods of assessment of shipping income lax within the Empire. The committee suggests a series of alternative remedies, but recommends none, because the matter is outside the committee’s- sphere of inquiry, so far as the necessity for the raising of revenue is concerned. The committee, nevertheless, feels that inter-Empire anomalies and complexities exist, and that there is sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie ground of complaint. It suggests that the report should he first brought to the attention of the fiscal authorities concerned.—Reuter. , HELPING THE MOTHERLAND. MR MASSEY’S UNDERTAKING. LONDON, November 8. (Received Nov 8, at 8 p.m.) Mr Massey was the chief guest at the Clothworkers’ Guild. Replying to the toast of “The Overseas Visitors,” ho said; “If you are going to make the Empire nrosperons, you have got to assist the development of the countries overseas.” Tho Imperial Government had offered loans, of which three-fourths would he free of interest for five years. He was ready to take £4.000.000 to-morrow and use it to purchase electrical machinery and rnil"-ay and bridge material in Britain Tf the other dominions would act likewise it would go a long way towards relieving unemployment. After the Conference he was going to spend New Zealand money in Britain. Whenever a dominion bad the opportunity to spend mcnev it should spend it in Britain.’’—A. and N.Z. Cable.