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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 65

Protection

Protection

has many disciples at the present time; but I think they are mainly residents of the towns, such articles as butter, cheese, chaff, provisions, fresh fruit and potatoes being admitted into our ports free of duty, while saddlery, woolpacks and kerosene, which are chiefly used in the country districts, are liable to duty. Last year £18,500 were collected as duty for kerosene, which, outside of the towns, has not the rivalry of gas to contend against; and coal and gas pipes are allowed free entrance into the Colony. I only mention these items to draw your attention to the advisability of scrutinising very carefully the coming changes in our tariff. No doubt some of you have seen an old lady, fond of page 4 her "bawbees," buying calico or some such material. She first prods her thumbs into the stuff, as if she were going to knead dough, then she gives her hands a sudden jerk apart, as if she thought she held a "bonbon;" and, lastly, after trying to stare out of window through the calico, she gives a sniff, and says she'll call again. You can't go far wrong if you inquire with equal diligence and suspicion into the merits of the new tariff.

A few months ago Dobbin's Ford put itself to its best use by inducing travellers between Christchurch and Ashburton to enter into conversation. After an exchange of newspapers and a preliminary cough, the great riddle was asked—" What do you think of Dobbin's Ford?" Now it is—"Do you think we shall get the