1.—12

VI

Kingdom and other British possessions. The general tariff imposed by Australia strongly protects Australian manufactures, and the Committee believes that policy is likely to be amplified and extended as time goes on. Further, it seems clear that Australia has developed many industries by the means adopted. To show the duties imposed in each country more clearly, several items are set forth, and the Committee believes that unless the position is met it will operate to the disadvantage of this country.

Dumping. It was further shown that Australia, in the case of roofing-tiles, has resorted to the practice of " dumping," which will of necessity result in the closing-up of similar industries in New Zealand. An extension of this policy can no doubt be looked for not only from Australia, but from other countries. The Committee therefore recommends the immediate adoption of an " anti-dumping " law similar to that in force in Canada, which is as follows :— ' In the case of articles exported to Canada of a class or kind made or produced in Canada, if the export or actual selling price to an importer in Canada is less than the fair market value of the same article when sold for home consumption in the usual and ordinary course in the country whence exported to Canada at the time of its exportation to Canada, there shall, in addition to the duty otherwise established, be levied, collected, and paid on such, article, on its importation into Canada, a special duty (or dumping duty) equal to the difference between the said selling-price of the article for export and the said fair market value thereof for home consumption ; and such special duty (or dumping duty) shall be levied, collected, and paid on such article although it is not otherwise dutiable : Provided that the said special duty shall not exceed 15 per cent, ad valorem in any case." Tariff Revision. The present New Zealand tariff has been in operation since 1907, a period of twelve years, during which time the conditions of trade and industry have materially altered. Many importations, such as labour-saving machinery, roadmaking machinery, &c, are being charged high duties under the " not otherwise enumerated " provision of the tariff, simply because such machinery was not known when the tariff was framed.

Australia. Now Zealand. Mineral waters Sugar Hats—Wool felt Fur felt Blankets and rugs Machinery, n.o.e. Cement -Per barrel of 3801b. (approximately 3-J- cwt.) Per hundredweight Bacon and hams Twine, binder Wheat Flour .. Chaff-cutters, scarifiers Harrows and ploughs Drills and disc-cultivators Winnowers Roofing tiles and slates Doors —1| in. If in. Over If in. 35 per cent. 6s. pier hundredweight ■10 per cent, or 20s. per, doz. It) per cent, or 30s. pier doz. 30 per cent. 30 „ 5s. 3d. Is. 6d. 4d. per pound 7s. per hundredweight Free Free 25 per cent. 25 „ 30 „ 30 „ 30 „ 4s. 6d. 6s. 8s. 6d.. . 20 per cent. Free. 25 per cent. 25 „ 20 20 „ 2s. 7d. 2d. per pound. Free. 9d. per cental. Is. Free. JJ J) 20 per cent. 20 „ 20 „ Wines — Still, special preference Still, ordinary rate Sparkling, ordinary rate 12s. fid. per gallon 25s. per gallon 5s. per gallon. 6s. 15s.