AUSTRALIA’S NEW TARIFF.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18539, 9 April 1930, Page 9

AUSTRALIA’S NEW TARIFF.

American Press Views. BLOW AT EMPIRE TRADE. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received April 8, 7.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, April 7. The New York “Times,” in a leading article, entitled: “Protectionist Australia/’ states that the new duties are symptomatic of a state of mind which cannot but affect this country, as well as Britain.”

After discqssing the increase of Australian tariffs in recent years, the article continues: “American manufacturers may now better understand the resentment of the Canadians and South Americans against increases in American tariff, on the various staples of these countries. It is in no relation to the scheme for free trade within the Empire, that the latest Act is chiefly interesting. Britain has enjoyed preference on most goods entering Australia, but the opposition to preference is steadily growing. In fact, ihe avowed purpose of the emergency measure is to cut Australian imports by about 60,000,000 dollars. In England itself, this plan cannot but dampen the ardour of the advocates of Imperial free trade. The latest Tariff Act in Australia makes it more than plain that the Dominions will have none qf this sort of special privilege for England. They are thinking of their own needs first. However mistaken their policy may seem to be to the advocates of Imperial free trade, it cannot be ignored that the tendency in the Dominions is clearly toward more or less ‘protection’.”

TERMS OF TRADE TREATIES. MR BALDWIN’S STATEMENT. I United Pres? A?sociatlon—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received April 8, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 7. The only equal terms upon which trade treaties can be negotiated are those enabling Britishers to say: “If you do not give us some advantage, we shall hit you on the head,” said Mr Baldwin in a speech at the Free Trade Hall, in Manchester. He added that free trade was passing to-day because there were no free traders being born. The policy of laissez faire was dead, and safeguarding for the first time gives Britain a weapon with which to negotiate treaties. In no circumstances shall this country, at the forthcoming election be asked to vote in favour of food taxes. It is a matter of such importance to our people that they must not be asked to vote blindfolded, therefore, food taxes will play no part in the general election. The only part they can play after the 1 election is if the Dominions are prepared to offer advantages which seem to me worth placing before the British electors for “yes” or “no.”