The Customs Circular

Southland Times, Issue 10244, 28 August 1889, Page 2

The Customs Circular

(By Telegraph). Wellington, Aug. 27. A deputation representing the Chambers of Commerce of the colony waited on the Premier with reference to the circular recently issued by the Customs Department, which they consider to be vexatious and unjust. The particular to which exception was^taken was that- insisting on a fine being paid in cases where mistakes or errors occurred in clearing goods. The deputation thought the authority now held by collectors of customs was sufficient to meet such cases. Stress was laid on the great difficulty of interpreting the tariff, which one speaker said caused more trouble than any he had met with in an experience of 33 years. The Premier said the Government could not allow five or six different men to interpret the tariff. Merchants took no notice of decisions, but would go on as they had been accustomed to, and whenever an error occurred it was always attributed to an unfortunate mistake. He promised, however, to carefully consider the circular with a view to removing any ambiguity. What appeared to have , caused alarm was a rumour that some] further departure was about to be made. Some amusement was caused by the intrusion of Mr J. H. Heaton, a Customs agent, who sought to take advantage of the opportunity to bring some grievance of his own forward and disowned both the deputation and the Chambers of Commerce. AU efforts to silence him were fruitless and he had to be allowed to talk himself out.