AUSTRALIAN CUSTOMS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11819, 2 May 1919, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN CUSTOMS.

PREFERENCE TO BRITAIN URGED. [Arurt, and N.Z. Cable Aasoolatioia.} Melbourne, May 1. A deputation from the Australian Association of British manufacturers the Minister of Customs for substantial and effective preference to be given British manufacturers in the revision of the Ous toms tariff, as a set off against Britain’s trade sacrifices in the war. The deputation urged that it would be impossible to survive the competiUon of japan and America without substantial preference, and asked for a twenty per cent, minimum in place of the present five to ten per cent. The Minister replied that the Go vernment was endeavouring to give an amount of preference to Britain which the position justified. It was not losing sight of Japan’sand America’s better opportunities tor extending trade during the war time. If, however, the Common wealth granted Britain substantial preference, it would expect Britain to reciprocate.