THE TARIFF.

Timaru Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 1831, 3 August 1895, Page 3

THE TARIFF.

PROTEST BY THE JEWELLERS

(By Telegraph.)

WELLINGTON, August 2,

A deputation representing tho Wellington jewellery trade waited on Mr Ward to protest against the proposed alteration of the tariff affecting the trade. It was pointed out that if there was any increase m duty it would not pay to manufacture jewellery here. The jewellers would have to send their designs Home to get them made up there, it paying better to pay the 25 per cent, duty on the finished article and take advantage of the lower Home rates of manufacturing. Were a duty imposed on precious stones this would be the only colony m which such a duty now existed. There was such a duty for four years m Victoria, but as nothing was paid- under it and stones were smuggled while traders had to cease direct importation and buy from various people who smuggled the stones m, the duty,was removed. There was also such a duty at one time m New Zealand, but only £30 was paid under it, any stones used being brought m through illegitimate channels and then sold to the jewellers. As for the duty on jewellery it was at present as high at it could stand, Purchasers had already to givo the Government 22£ per cent. ; to give more would simply •be to seriously injnre the trade, The Colonial Treasurer sHid that he would give the representations of the deputation his favourable consideration. It was a' very difficult matter, as very great pressure had been brought on the Government to put on this extra duty on jewellery and on stones.