INDUSTRIES SHELTERING SLOTHFULLY BEHIND CUSTOMS BARRIERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18465, 17 May 1928, Page 9

INDUSTRIES SHELTERING SLOTHFULLY BEHIND CUSTOMS BARRIERS.

EDITOR OF “ ECONOMIST ” ATTACKS TARIFFS. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received May 17, 11.40 a.m.) GENEVA, May 16. Mr Layton, editor of the “Economist,” in a very able address before the Economic Commission, began by frankly declaring himself a free-trader. He directed the attention of the conference to what he termed the very striking and bold report of the Australian Tariff Board in 1927, especially to the passages stating that there was a mischievous tendency to abuse the protective System, the result of which was seen in increased cost prices, higher cost of living and higher wages. There vas a tendency on the part of industry to shelter itself slothfully behind Customs barriers so that producers of raw agricultural materials were now asking for increased protection, resulting in lower output and the survival of obsolete methods of cultivation. Mr Layton’ commended the report to the earnest consideration of conference, emphasising that it was compiled by the body responsible for one of the highest tariffs in the world.— Australian Press Association.