THE FEDERAL TARIFF.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 238, 16 October 1901, Page 1

THE FEDERAL TARIFF.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copy light

Melbourne, Oct. 15.

There are great preparations for a fight on Mr llcid’s censure motion to-morrow. Both sides are marshalling their forces. The Ministerial heads have boon in close consultation, and it is understood they are prepared to make certain tariff concessions in response to the dissatisfaction amongst both freetraders and protectionists. Ministerialists forecast a majority of from 10 to 15 for Mr Barton when the numbers go up. Mr Seddon’s complaint in regard to the tariff shutting out New Zealand produce is being freely discussed. Little sympathy is expressed by either side. Freetraders point out that New Zealand is having a taste of the policy she deliberately adopted, and cannot complain when she feels it cuts the other way. Protectionists say that Mr Seddon ought to come into the federation. If he took no risks over federation lie cannot expect to reap any benefits. It would he a very one-sided arrangement if Australian markets were open to New Zealanders and Australia shut out from theirs.

Sydney, Oct. 15. The Agents for the Governments of Fiji and New Guinea in a letter to the Herald, point out that the Federal tariff threatens to seriously cripple Sydney’s trade with these islands. The proposed duty on bananas is practically prohibitive. while the duties on sugar, maize, pineapples, eoeoanuts, and other products will certainly, as far as Fiji is concerned, kill the trade. South Sea Islands products, sugar excepted, should bo admitted free. They prophesy that it will only bo a question of time when all the islands will become dependencies of the Commonwealth.

Wellington, last night. The Premier has sent the following telegram to the loading Chambers of Commerce “ The tariff brought down by the Federal Government is one which must have an important bearing upon the produce and export trade of New Zealand and the matter is of such importance to the colony as a whole that tho Government are now considering what steps, if any, it is desirable to adopt in order to protect the colony, which, as the result of the high tariff imposed, particularly against New Zealand, will to some extent be affected. I shall be glad if you will kindiy confer with tho members of your Chamber and favor the Government with an expression of your views upon the altered position, and what effect you think the Federal tariff will have upon the produce and export trade of the colony. I shall be glad if you will kindly favor me with any suggestions or proposals you may have in in connection therewith before the matter is finally dealt with by the Cabinet.”

The Premier has sent the following telegram to the principal sawmill proprietors of the colony :— 11 The Federal tariff proposes to make very important alterations in the duty on New Zealand timber imported into Australia. As the matter is very important to the timber industry of the colony, I shall be exceedingly glad if you can make it convenient to meet in Wellington in conference for the purpose of considering the matter. I am asking the various sawmill proprietors in the colony to meet together, as the Government contemplate taking such action as may seem most advisable to protect the sawmilling interests. Kindly confer with other sawmill proprietors in your district and appoint delegates and state the time it would be convenient for you to attend a conference. On receipt of your reply I shall telegraph a further suggestion as to the date on which the conference should take place. It will require to be an early date,”