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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 61

Salt

Salt.

The import of salt in 1884 amounted to 5,470 tons, valued at £14,990, an increase upon the previous year of 935 tons and page 28 £2,601 respectively. There is no reason why, if salt can he produced in South Australia, where there are no salt mines, the same industry cannot he established in New Zealand. One maker, at Lake Fowler, Yorketown, has established works the out-put from which is twenty-five tons per week, the manufacture being by the process of evaporating sea-water. There are several methods by which this process is carried out; and, without entering into details, it is sufficient to say that no great capital would be required to start the industry. Both in South Australia and Victoria there is an import duty of 20 per cent, upon salt, and it might be desirable to impose a duty upon it in New Zealand, instead of allowing it to come in free, as at present. The bulk of the salt imported comes from Great Britain, though some has been imported from the South Australian works already referred to; and, considering how greatly the freight must add to the price, there is good reason for thinking that this industry could be established in New Zealand without increasing the price paid by the consumer. It is interesting to note that in Victoria last year there were seven salt-works, employing forty-two hands, with £7,406 invested in machinery, plant, land, and buildings.