CUSTOMS CHARGES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26354, 8 January 1947, Page 6

CUSTOMS CHARGES

Sir,—Through your columns may I make a protest against exorbitant Customs charges. The news that the Customs for the port of Otago showed an increase of £151,037 for the last quarter of 1946 will make your readers realise what is being done. As an Australian residing in Dunedn for many years I have received many gifts from Melbourne. On all occasions I have paid Customs duty usually amounting to 45 per cent, of the value of the parcel. A parcel valued at 16s 6d, containing one pair of rayon stockings and a home-made dressing packet was received this Christmas. I was charged Customs duty of 6s 6d (40 per cent.!) All gifts sent byl me to Australia have been delivered duty free. If Australia can manage to do so, why not New Zealand? It is a scandalous thing when heavy charges are made for some people are not in a position to pafr for gifts sent to them by kind friends overseas. I have been told that the duty on English goods is 20 per cent, and on Australian goods 45 per cent. Why the disparity?—l am, etc., C. B. [This letter was refentd to the Collector of Customs at Dunedin, who made the following reply: "For the information of your correspondent I would point out that the rates of Customs duty on goods entering New Zealand from Australia are governed by an agreement made between the two countries in 1933, In approximately 115 instances the rates on Australian goods are from 10 per cent, to 25 per cent, higher than those payable on goods from Britain. Most of the gifts sent by post to New Zealand consist of wearing apparel of some description. on which duty is charged at 40 per cent, of the Australian value as against 20 per cent, or 25 per cent., according to kind, from Britain. The rates of Customs duty are of course determined by Parliament assembled, and there is no provision for the free admission of gifts to private persons. I am unable to comment on the statement that gifts sent from this country to Australia are allowed in duty free, but it is to note that in Friday’s issue of the Daily Times there appeared a statement frojn Sydney that 189 packets of cigarette papers sent by a New Zealander to his son paid duty to the tune of £2 12s 4d on a New Zealand value of £1 18s. Ed. O.D.T.]