H.—4B

1895. NEW ZEALAND.

MANUFACTURE OF WAX MATCHES IN THE COLONY (LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY RE).

Laid upon the Table by the Hon. Mr. Ward, with the Leave of the House.

Sir— 11th July, 1894. Eeferring to the interview of yesterday, and to the correspondence on the subject of your proposal to establish a new industry for the manufacture of wax vestas, I have the honour, by direction of the Colonial Treasurer, to inform you that he is anxious to foster such new enterprise, and will be happy to assist, so far as lies in his power. 1. The Government will be prepared to recommend to Parliament such remission of duty as may be desirable upon machinery imported for the purpose of the proposed industry, it being understood that such machinery cannot be made in the colony. 2. Card boxes for vestas are not liable to duty. 3. Tin boxes for vestas will be subject to 25 per cent, ad valorem duty, as tinware. 4. Chlorate of potash appears to be subject to 15 per cent, ad valorem duty, as a drug. 5. Ground glass is free of duty. 6. Saponified stearine is unknown to the Customs Department, and, as stearine is not imported at present, the question of duty upon saponified stearine had better, it is thought, be left over until the article has been examined by the department. It is hoped the above assurances of the Government's desire to assist in establishing a valuable industry such as you propose will meet your wishes, and enable you to start the new works with little delay. I have, &c, J. B. Heywood, Chas. E. E. Bell, Esq., Secretary to the Treasury, c/o Messrs. Philips and Pike, Wellington.

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