TARIFF ISSUES

Wairarapa Age, 18 July 1934, Page 5

TARIFF ISSUES

HON. A. D. McLEOD REPUES TO PROPAGANDISTS. generous preference given TO BRITAIN. PLIGHT OF TOBACCO-GROWERS. (By Telegraph.—“ The Age” Special.) WELLINGTON, July 17. “They do their best for the job they are holding down,” was the Hon. A. D. McLeod’s summing up of extreme propagandist statements heard outside Parliament in connection with tariff changes. In an outspoken contribution in the House on the subject, the member for Wairarapa declared that the great degree of British preference given by New Zealand was not appreciated at its full value in Britain. That country had departed from its old policy in relation to the Dominions in making a special agreement with Canada in respect to bacon. This was making a distinction between Dominions and care would have to be taken to avoid giving ground for serious complaint. The extent of our preference to Britain had been extraordinary. It was three-fourths greater than that given to Australia and therefore our primary producers naturally complained that they were treated no better than the Australians. Five years ago, when Minister of Lands, he had declared that it would be criminal to encourage tobacco growing, because he failed to see its economic possibilities. However, these growers had been given high protection and some serious arguments needed to be produced before the protection was withdrawn and the industry allowed to go down in disaster. Practically all the North Island was unsuitable for tobacco growing, but there were areas in the Nelson district and in other parts of the South Island and these areas deserved consideration. Three-fourths of the population depended for a living on New Zealand’s pastoral industry and any severe swing over would, have disastrous results. Secondary industries must keep in step with primary development. He was a friend of our woollen industry, but felt that it had not played the game. It had failed substantially to decrease pnees during the years of depreciated wool prices, the public being informed that raw material played no very large part in the manufacture, but within one month of the December rise in wool these concerns raised prices 20 per cent. Mr. McLeod quoted the high prices allowed by car dealers on tradedin cars, enabling the prices of English cars quoted at £4OO to be reduced as low as £250. Freight from England four years ago was £42 per car. Tofk° ( stCTlin ff) compared with £3O from Canada. He was sure any loss importers suffered from exchange had been more than recouped in reduced freight.