THE ROYAL COMMISSION ON TRADE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2119, 6 February 1886, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE ROYAL COMMISSION ON TRADE.

Evidence laid before the Royal Commission on trade shows that while in 1871-75 £27,500,000 worth of non was manufactured in the district of the North of England Iron Manufacturers' association, the value of thesame product in 1881-85 was only £15,(300,000. On behalf of the asso ciation it is stated that "the protection which exists in some of our colonies interferes with the free interchange of commodities, and is detrimental to our commerce." Federation with India and the colonies is suggested, and the prevention of auy import duties being imposed by them against British productions. An inquiry into the question of mineral royalties is also recommended. The Tiu Plato Manufacturers' Association report that while trade has increased in volume it has, as a whole, been unprofitable. There are 84 works in Wales, which is the seat of this industry, and 30 of them have failed during the last five years. The great cause of depression is said to be over-production, but it is added that every Act of Parliament passed in late years in connection with trade has increased the cost of production. The British Sugar Refiners' Association re ports extreme depression, attributable to foreign export bounties. What is required is that the artificial help foreign competitors have should be withdrawn. The Sunderland Shipowners' Society fur nisli evidence to the effect that for some time past they have suffered from serious losses, and they designate the trade as ruinously bad. They goon to affirm that " the Government, influenced by men who think they understand shipping but really know little about it, are perpetually devising crotchets which disturb the trade and entail oo3t and loss." It is also reported that English shipping is suffering from foreign competition.