“ NOT A LUXURY.”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18649, 19 August 1930, Page 4

“ NOT A LUXURY.”

WATCHES AND CLOCKS. PROTEST AGAINST TARIFF. The views of members of the New Zealand Watchmakers’ and Jewellers’ Association on the matter of extra duties on watches and clocks were made clear in a statement by the president of the association, Mr H. S. Hislop, made to a Wellington pressman. Watches, previous to the Government measure, were imported into New Zealand and landed with duty and charges at 31 per cent., said Mr Hislop. Under the tariff proposed in the first place the cost of landing watches increased to 67| per cent. The Government had since, as the result of a protest from the whole of the jewellers in the Dominion, reduced the duty so that the landing charges amounted to 54 per cent., being an increase of 23 per cent. The Prime Minister informed the deputation thai the main reason for such an increase was for the purpose of increasing revenue and at the same time encouraging trade within the Empire. “Regarding the latter,” said Mr Hislop, “we would point out that there being only one firm mannufacturing watches, the watch manufacturing industry in Great Britain is incapable of supplying the markets with tin.goods required. The total imports of British watches for the year 1929 was £2343 ,while Swiss and other wainhAs

imported amounted to £105,645. showing that Britain could only supply * per cent, of the total. • These extra duties,” continued Mr Hislop, “will be a very serious blow for the small jewellery traders throughout New Zealand, as they are not in the position to carry large stocks and so are immediately penalised. As far as encouraging British trade is concerned, the fact remains that Britain, Canada, and the United States, and practically the whole world, are dependent upon Switzerland for their supplies. As regards the Prime Minister’s idea of getting more revenue from watches imported, the sale of good watches will be greatly decreased, and the result will be that a cheaper grade of foreign watch will be imported. The jewellers contend that watches and clocks are a vital necessity and should not be classed as a luxury. They also recognise that more revenue is needed, and are quite prepared to do their share, but to be singled out for such an abnormal increase as proposed will be ruination for many of the smaller firms.” In conclusion. Mr Hislop said that the ordinary household clocks sold in New Zealand were practically all of foreign make. The duty on these was formerly 45 per cent. Now they were subjected to a further increase.* which meant that by the time they were landed in New Zealand they cost about 72 per cent, to land.