THE NEW TARIFF.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2190, 20 September 1907, Page 2

THE NEW TARIFF.

DISCUSSED IN THE COUNCIL. Press Association. WELLINGTON. Sept. 19. In tlio Legislative Council to-day tho Attorney-General moved tlie second reading of tho Tariff Bill, prefacing his remarks by expressing the opinion that a man who undertook a complete revision of the tariff required to take his courage in both hands and to be a man of great patience and industry. These qualifications had been manifested by Mr. Millar, who had achieved great work. Ho then proceeded to outline the provisions of the Bill. Mr Rigg agreed with the AttorneyGeneral in tho excellent work done by Mr. Millar in piloting the tariff through the other House, but ho would have liked to see tho Minister take a stronger stand in regard to tho imposition of protective duties. He quoted statistics to show that about £2,000,000 worth of goods were imported into the colony which can bo manufactured here. Customs duties should bo increased to such an extent that local articles woujd sujiplant imported. The progress and development of industries would bo hastened by tho imposition of a much higher tariff upon imported articles. If they wanted a rich country they must have a manufacturing country, and this was to bo done'by encouraging industries. In regard to prefer enti al trade bo was one of tlioso who did not approve it in the form adopted in this country. There was no reason why wo should ho called upon to bolster up British manufacturers and pay additional prices for certain commodities for their benefit. Mr. Beehan considered the tariff a marvellous performance for a new Minister, who was to be congratulated. He hold that local industries ought to bo encouraged in every possible way. Mr Paul thought the effect of tho tariff would be to stimulate industries and generally to improve trade, still, with Mr Rigg, he felt that some further measure of protection might havo been given to local industries. He, however, recognised that neither freetrade nor protection would solve tho labor problem, and tho labor problem was the most important of all. Ho hoped the Government would recognise that in taxation equality of sacrifice was the goal to be aimed at. Ho was thankful for the remissions made on articles of general consumption. In regard to woollen goods, he regretted that the Government had not stuck to tho original proposal to put 8d per lb upon raw cotton to preserve tho purity of our woollen manufactures. He hoped ' the Government would at the earliest possible moment introduce a Shoddy Bill to protect consumers against inferior goods. Mr McCardle thought it would he a mistake to take any drastic step as suggested for the purpose of increasing colonial industries. It was desirable they should proceed steadily. Ho was satisfied that tho tariff was based on fair lines, and the Bill had his'entire approval. Mr Anstey said if ho had had a voto on the question of remission of duty ho would likely have, voted against so largo an amount being remitted. The £300.000 could have been better used for opening up and developing tho country. He disagreed with Mr Paxil's remarks abput wool and shoddy, and thought so long as goods were branded adequately as to constituents no injury could result, to the woollen industry. The debate was adjourned.