Effects of Protection.
To show how the protective tariff will benefit the country and foster industries we may mention that in the case of photographic dry plates, it is intended at once to start a factory in Christchurch to turn out these necessaries. Under the old regime photographic goods and materials were admitted duty free. Now there is a duty of 20 per cent on goods and 15 on chemicals. Mr Eden George, the well known photographer of Christchurch, has already completed arrangements and secured a competent manager to start a factory for the manufacture of photographic dry plates. There is at present only one such factory in the Australasian Colonies, viz. at Melbourne, and Mr George is confident that his venture will be a success.
The materials employed will he principally silver and gelatine. The silver to be used will be the native material to be found in the colonies and gelatine can also be manufactured locally. The factory will give employment to a number of girls, it being found that they are most suited to the class of work intended to be produced. Many others will find work in the making of cardboard and other boxes into which the plates are packed. It was only on the strength of the tariff being passed that the idea could be carried out and when the Financial Statement was brought down Mr Eden George at once communicated with a gentleman in Melbourne relative to starting the factory and when the tariff was finally passed he at once cabled to him the confirmation of the engagement and issued instructions to come over at once to start work.
A suitable building will be procured without delay and in a month's time at the outside the factory will be m full swing. This industry may be considered only the forerunner of many others if our tradesmen, mechanics and business men become inspired with energy to make use of the opportunities offered by a protective tariff.
Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1876, 25 June 1888, Page 2
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