THE TARIFF.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXV, Issue 3042, 6 September 1870, Page 3

THE TARIFF.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE INDEPENDENT. Sir, — I am not so unreasonable nsto oxpect from a man in the position of Mr Vogi*l an intimato acquaintance with the operation of various alterations lately made, and proposed, in the new tariff. I also believe him to be quite aocessi bio to fact from any quarter, and therefore call attention to an important item, on which tho import duty is very largely, and I think unwisely, increased. There may bo other articles of import quite as much calling for an alteration, but acting on tho oki motto of Suum Culque, I would point out that tho increase of duty on blankets from 3s to 5s per foot ia pressing both heavily and unjustly. I fcako several examples from actual shipments, and find that such a class of blankets us comes most into consumption in Now Zealand under tho old or as duty paid respectively 10, 12}-, and 15 per cent, and that under the now or 5s duty these will rato at 16 1, 22, and 25 por cent. A tolerably largo shipment of last season, including from low medium to fine qualities, paid, at 3s, just 10 per cent, but which at 5s would have been 16£- per cent. I beliove, with so inuny articles of comparative luxury from which an increase of revenue might bo raised, if; is unjust and unwise to tax so heavily an article indispensible to the poorest. I may re--1 mark that the article of Amorioan leather, on which it is proposed to abolish the duty, is much bettor ablo to afford a 5s duty than tho one whoso interests I now advocate. — I am, &c, i Blankets.