CANADIAN TARIFF

Southland Times, Issue 17455, 9 March 1915, Page 2

CANADIAN TARIFF

LIKELY TO RESTRICT TRADE WITH NEW ZEALAND, (Per United Press Association). AUCKLAND, March S. The action of the Canadian Government in imposing extra duties on New Zealand produce imported into Canada is likely to have a restrictive effect upon the volume of trade done between the two dominions. The matter was referred to by Mr J. G. Darkness, of Wellington, manager and secretary of the National Dairy Association, who returned by the Niagara from Vancouver and San Francisco after a short business trip. The Canadian Government, lie said, have recently revised tiieir tariff, and decided to put a surcharge on New Zealand produce imported into Canada to the extent of 5 per cent, ad valorem, under preferential agreement with Canada. There was a fixed duty on New Zealand butter of 5 cents, equal to 1 Udper lb. As New Zealand butter was today worth probably 30 cents, 0.i.f.. or Is 3d per lb, tho imposition of the new advalorem duty meant that the total duty on butter was now 4Vi cents, per lb—an increase of l‘i cents duty. I'll is is going to lie a big handicap, especially to New Zealand butter, said Air Darkness, and it will in like measure affect oilier exports from New Zealand to Canada. The imposition of the new tariff, Mr Darkness added, meant that ttie Canadian producer was given additional protection. New Zealand producers might have to reduce the price of their butter. “From inquiries made in various directions,” Mr Darkness continued, “f am inclined to the opinion that California will not be a good market for Now Zealand butter. The possibilities in connection with tliis .State are very great, and if tlio farmers and settlers turn tiieir attention to dairying, they will probably he able to produce, sufficient for their own requirements for some years to come. Vancouver, in my opinion, is a different proposition. New Zealand butler lias a first-class reputation there, and there should be a consistent demand for a certain quantity, which, unfortunately, tliis new duty may to a considerable extent restrict. The only possible way Unit any redress could be obtained in regard to the duty would be by the New Zealand Government making representations to Canada." Air Darkness concluded by remarking that Ho thought the new ad valorem duty had been added to the fixed duties to meet the expenditure in connection with the war, possibly it would not he permanent. ___________