M.O.P. and Trochus.
p. 43 · Read in the full issue
Object Lesson In Tariffs.
From Our Own Correspondent.
Thursday Is., Aug. 26.
THE reduction of the duty on pearl and trochus buttons, and the re sumption of imports of this nature from Japan, emphasises the delicate balance which exists between Aus tralian - manufactured products and similar articles from overseas.
Australia is unable to use more than a very small portion of the pearl shell that is produced and protection can no
longer be given to the small button in dustry recently established in Australia without danger of retaliation from abroad.
The total pearl-shell produced in Australian waters is 2750 tons per an num, valued at £400,000. The value of pearl buttons used in Australia does not exceed £70,000. The output of the type of button that required protection was not more than £10,000.
The sale of trochus depends equally on international goodwill. Japan buys practically the whole Australian output, valued at £66,000 in normal years and, if the Commonwealth refused to buy Japanese buttons, there would be a strong possibility of Japan buying else where.