THE NEW TAXATION.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 14057, 15 November 1909, Page 5

THE NEW TAXATION.

PROTESTS AGAINST., PRIMAGE. „ Por Press Association.^ NAPIER,; Nov. 13. The Napier merchants have wired the Premier as follows: —"We strongly urge you to reconsider the question of collecting primage on. goods now in bond, as it will cause great trouble and annoyance. .We believe that a precedent for exempting such goods was'made when a similar import duty was made in 1888. The charge will bear unjustly on importers,- who in many instances will be unable to pass on to customers .the trifling individual increased cost. We consider .it

much preferably that the required amount should bo raised by an increased duty A on selected articles. IE however, yqu decide that _ the tax is imperative, we urgo that it should be collected on goods to arrive."

DUNEDIN; Nov. 15. The Otago and Southland 'Tobacco and' Distributing Association have telegraphed to the Prime Minister objecting to the method proposed for 'collecting the primage duty. Sir Joseph Ward replied regretting that-he is unable to comply with the suggestion.. Whatever, course is followed will entail difficulties. The only other way is to olace a duty on articles now on tho free list, and this he could riot see his way to do.