THE NEW TARIFF.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 12122, 3 August 1895, Page 2

THE NEW TARIFF.

»_ — MB WARD DEPUTATIONISED Bi WBliljlNfctTON JEWELLEES. (PBR PBB3B ASSOCIATION.) WisiiLiKGTON-, August 2, A deputation representing the Veiling ton jewellery tiade waited on Hon Mr. Ward to protest against the proposed alterations of the tariff affecting the trade. It was pointed out that if there was any increase in duty it would not pay to manufacture jewellery here. JoweUera wonld have to Hand their designs Home i and get them made up there, it paying better to pay the 25 por cent, duty on ; finished articles and take advantage of the lower Home rates for manufacturing Were duty imposed on presiou3 stones, this would be the only colony in which such a duty now .existed, There was suoh a duty for four years in Viotoris, but 08 nothing was paid under it and stones were smuggled, while traders had to | cease direct importation and buy from various people who smuggled the stonea in, the duty was removed. There was also such a duty at one time in New Zealand, but only $30 was paid under it, any stones used being brought in through I illegitimate channels ' and then sold to jewellers. As for duty on jewellery it was at present as bjgn as it could stand. Purchasers had already to give the Gof vernment 22J per cent. To give more [ would simply fee to seriously injure 'the trade, The Colonial Treasurer Baid he would give tlie representations of the deputation bis favourable consideration. It was a very difficult matter,^ veiy great pressure had been brought.on the Government to put on th} 3 extra duty on jewellery »nd duty on 6tones.