New Hebrides Tariff.
p. 13 · Read in the full issue
Suspended and Then Rescinded!
From Our Own Correspondent.
Vila, Feb. 7.
THE new Customs duties, which were to have come into force as from January 1, were suspended and have finally been rescinded.
Had they come into force they would have imposed an increase of 9 per cent, on general merchandise—i.e., necessities —a substantial increase on perfumes, silks, and other things considered lux uries and, for some obscure reason, an increase of 94 per cent, on matches. The superstition of three smokers not light ing from one match was threatented with extinction!
In the meantime, the business houses in Vila have been costing and selling their goods on the basis of the new tariff; and many good householders are now wondering how they will stand legally if they demand a refund.
EDITORIAL NOTE. —The only information available in Sydney to explain the extraordinary volte face described above, is to the effect that the Condominium officials discovered, when they sought to impose the new tariff, that it was in conflict with their constitutional law. It is ex pected that they will now seek some other method of raising necessary revenue.