AUSTRALIAN TARIFF.

Otago Witness, Issue 3514, 19 July 1921, Page 17

AUSTRALIAN TARIFF.

MELBOURNE, .July 13. In the House of Representatives the tariff debate was resumed. Air Fenton moved an amendment that the Bill be recast to provide guarantees that the producer and the consumer shall obtain local goods at reasonable prices; also to secure proper wages and conditions for employees in protected industries. The debate waa adjourned Senator Gardiner, speaking in the Senate against the Tariff Bill, said that he calculated that tariff would cost the oeople £50,000,000 yearly. The duty would not bestow any direct benefit in other directions, as the advantages of a high duty in many industries would be eaten up in the increased cost of raw materials. J uly 14. In the Federal House of Representatives the Tariff Bill passed its second reading by 26 votes to 11, Air fenton’s amendment being defeated by 27 to 12. Air Massy Greene, Minister of Customs, replying to a question, stated that a letter had been sent to New Zealand to the effect that the commonwealth was prepared to negotiate with the dominion on the matter of trade reciprocity. July 16. In the House of Representatives the third reading of the Tariff Board Bill was carried bv 28 votes to 9. after an amendment had been irried against the Ministry by 22 rotes vo 21 providing machinery to deal with manufacturers refusing to trade with small retailers. The Senate debate on the tariff was adjourned till Tuesday.