WELLINGTON .OPINIONS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, July 18.

Otago Witness, Issue 2785, 31 July 1907, Page 17

WELLINGTON .OPINIONS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, July 18.

Much irritation La being felt in the wholesale and retail confectionery trade owing to the new tariff. Mr John Ri«g, of Messra John Rigg and Co., whoJsesala importers, informed a. Post representative that the new tariff was going to adversely affect the importation of the better lines of confectionery—such lines as were not wiinufaetured ]n the colony. Another panny per lb had been placed upon con-fec-tioneryj and this was equivalent to 100 per cent, on the cheaper lines. "Of course," said Mr Rigg, "the pubile won't get the benefit of the increased duties. The benefits will all go to the local makers, who already had sufficient protection. With the added tariff and the reduction of sugar by id per lb, the local makers of confectionery will be working little gold mines." The prevous duty on ammunition was Is6d per 100 on cartridges, and this has been raised to 2s 6d, while the duty on empty cases has been increased from 9d to Is 6d. This has caused great indignation amongst dealers and farmers. " I don't think* they quite realise what they are doing," 6aid an influential gentleman to a Post reporter this afternoon. "On the cheaper cartridges it means that the duty is over 50 per cent., and on the empty cases 75 per cent. This is scandalous." He added that there wao great indignation amongst the farming community. "The Government makes v* keep the rabbits down, and now thov are goini? to charge us this outrageous duty for ihe> cartridges we use." He declared that it

■ Bad all been done in the 'interest* ="of rj particular company whffl» money all wen* 1 . cut of the colony. ,■