The announcement of the Government's tariff proposals have caused a widespread sensation. The opinion is generally expressed that the new measures prohibiting t importation of certain luxuries ought quickly to adjust the unsatisfactory position which exists connection with trade over-seas but, meanwhile, there will be a considerable increase in unemployment in the distributing trades—Reuter.
Melbourne, Apr. 4.
Whilst the local motor-car and whiskey traders particularly welcome the new Customs regulations, the ship-owners state that many ships will inevitably cease running} to Australia, and that Australia may be seriously embarrassed to find shipping for her primary produce, An earlier message stated that proclamation in detail had been issued by the Customs, prohibiting the importation of a long list of articles, including eggs, confectionery, dried-fruits—except dates and figs—liquid preserved fruits, cocoanut and peanut butter, pickles, sauces, chutney, furs and skins, partly or wholly' made up, and rugs, except floor-rugs.
The following are rationed to the extent of fifty per cent of the ports last' year: ° notable spirits, manufactured tobacco, cigars, cigar rettes, snuff and locomotives.
The following are rationed similar manner and are fifty per cent. super-tax: alt other; beers, porter, cider, spirituous perry, perfumed spirits, bay-tum, wines—vermouth, matches and vestas.
This proclamation of the Custome follows the announcement by the Premier, Mr. Scullin, of drastic measures to curtail "luxury ports."—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.