THE TARIFF.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 11128, 30 July 1907, Page 1

THE TARIFF.

DEPUTATION TO THE MINISTER, (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. A deputation of bicycle manufacturers waited on the Minister of Customs yesterday. The deputation's complaint was that while imported bicycles under tlie original tariff were subject to a duty of 20 per cent., fittings required for local manufacture were similarly .reated. They asked that all material for local manufacture should be admitted duty free. They also wanted such a duty as would shut out low-grade, cheaply machines., Mr Millar said the duty oh bicycles and bicycle parts had been framed after a careful survey of information put before tlie Government. Seven months ago he had intimated that a revi" sion of the tariff would take place, and it was too late to come along now and ask for an increased duty oh imported articles. The House could reduce the duty on any item, but it had no power to increase. Tlie' only way to do tliis would be to withdraw the whole of the resolutions and submit afresh ones. He -would look into the matter, but would fiankly tell tlie deputation that he did not see where the requirements could be met at this stage. It might be possible to do something m the way of imposing a specific duty on cheap articles from outside. A member' of the deputation : "Well, if these resolutions are not put tlirough a great injustice will be done to the cycle trade during the next three years. Mr Millar : "Three years ? I promise you I don't intend to touch another tariff while I am m the' House." MASTERTON, tliis day. At a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, the following resolution was corried: "That the Chamber enter a, most emphatic protest against the increased duty on cast-iron pipes of a greater diameter than five inches, as this will mean a heavy tax to local bodies." (Special to Herald.) • , DUNEDIN, this day. The City Councils of Christchurch, Wellinton, and Auckland have been requested to co-operate with the Dunedin City Council m endeavoring to induce tlie Government to forego the proposed duty on gas and electrical material and appliances already ordered. .