Higher Duly Waited On N.Z. Belter

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 42, 12 May 1927, Page 9

Higher Duly Waited On N.Z. Belter

REQUEST IN AUSTRALIA

DAIRYMEN DISLIKE COMPETITION

By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright Reed. 11.15 a.m. SYDNEY, To-day. The Tariff Board is hearing an application by the Primary Producers* Union of New South Wales for an increase of the duty on imported New Zealand butter from 2d to 6d a pound; also the request that the duty on cheese be increased to 6d a pound. Mr. Patrick Grand, president of the applicant organisation, explained that the object of the application was to improve the financial position of the dairyman by providing a means whereby he might obtain a higher price for that portion of his produce which was sold within the Commonwealth. It was also desired to make the importation of butter into the Commonwealth unprofitable extent at times when it was impracticable to supply the Commonwealth's requirements from within.

The wages of persons engaged in the dairying industry were considerably below those of workers engaged in other primary rural industries. The owner of butter which was displaced by importations had the option of reducing the price, or exporting the portion he could not sell. So the process of reduction went on till it was no longer profitable to bring butter into the Commonwealth. Both New Zealand and Australian butter had been brought down to about London parity, and unless some substantial assistance was given, he declared that a great many dairymen would be forced out of business. The quantity of New Zealand butter imported into Australia in 1926 was 21,426 boxes. From January 1 to April 30 this year 45,431 boxes were imported. Further hearing was adjourned.