TARIFF COMMISSION.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19013, 2 August 1933, Page 8

TARIFF COMMISSION.

AUCKLAND SITTING.

MANUFACTURE OF PERFUMES.

MAINTENANCE OF DUTIES. SOUGHT BY MANUFACTURERS. (Bv Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND,. Wednesday. Two large bottles of lavender water decorated the table at the Tariff Commission to-day, when representatives of Sharland and Company, Ltd., gave evidence. They asked for the maintenance of the present duty of 20 per cent, ad valorem on medicinal preparations and 35 per cent, duty on toilet goods. If the duty on toilet goods was maintained the output could be increased and a wider range introduced. J t They sought an increase on the duty on perfume spirits, the admission duty-free of liquid extracts for manufacturing tinctures, and the abolition of the 3 per cent, primage on barks, roots, etc., used for tincture. One witness said that unless redress was obtained it would be necessary to use a different basis in one of the lavender preparations. Asked by Mr G. A. Pascoe what difference in quality would be involved, the witness said, “The best way is to test it yourself." Mr Pascoe: “I am afraid I am not an expert.” Piston Rings. The free admission of castings for piston rings was asked by a representative of B. Johanson and Sons, Ltd., who said that if local manufacturers were to compete with imported rings the use of castings is essential. The duty on imported rings should be increased, rather than reduced. Duties on Seed Paokets. Mr Eric W. Yates, assistant general manager of Arthur Yates and Company, Limited, seed merchants, said the present rate of duty on printed " pockets ” without Illustrations was 30 per cent., but If the “ pockets ” bore an illustration they were admitted free. It was desired that they should be admitted free whether they were printed or illustrated.. Professor Murphy: Could you not have a conventional design on the packets without necessarily 'illustrating, each flower? Mr Yates: We did try that. Use of Word Taken Up.

The use by a witness of the word “invade” in relation to the possible appearance on the New’ Zealand market of foreign explosives was quickly taken up by Professor Murphy, who drew attention to the protection the consumer received from competition. C. E. Campbell, for the Nobel (Australasia) Proprietary, Ltd., asked that high explosives and blasting powder manufactured in the United Kingdom and Australia, continue to be admitted duty free, and foreign be taxed 15 per cent. He said that if given that preference his firm would undertake not to Increase the selling price, unless costs beyond their control increased.

Asked by Dr. Craig why he wanted the foreign duty raised, witness said that they heard rumours occasionally that the markets might be invaded. Professor Murphy: Why do you say invaded? Have other people no right to trade beside your own trust? We all believe in international trade. Surely others have a- right to come in for the protection of the consumer. I think you are in a splendid position, and that it is going a long way to ask 'for a duty because at some future date you may have competition. I think you are in a splendid position, and do not need any more. Witness: It has been a very costly organisation. Professor Murphy: I know. You are a very big combine. If you have that market now and have another duty, what will happen to the prices? Witness: We are undertaking not to raise them. Professor Murphy: You cannot give such an undertaking in these times of fluctuating currencies. Suppose currency were inflated. Witness: We undertake not to increase prices unless the costs of the product are increased. Professor Murphy: That is a different matter. Duty on Glassware. Mr F. S. Tyler asked for the abolition or a reduction of the duty on glassware, which, it was said, was not manufactured locally except bottles and jam jars. If the duty were required for revenue purposes he suggested a reduction from 20 to 10 per cent.