Canton, Sept. 6.
There is every indication that Canton intends to impose a "protection" tax on imported—foreiga "The measure has been under consideration by the Government for considerable time and it is believes that it will shortly be adopted and enforced.
Blaming the low import tariff as being responsible for the heavy influx of foreign goods, an oficial statement by the Kuangtung provinelfal government announced to-day the schedule of the "protective tax." or Father tariff surcharge, on different goods from foreign countries and laces outside the province which are Stated to be competing with homemade goods.
The statement declared that the industrial depression in Kuangtung was due to the competition provided by imported goods, which, if unchecked, would "bring about the bankruptey of many industries."
alleged that, owing to the low tariff, foreign goods are cheaper than native products.
"The special protection "tax" ranges from 40 per cent. to 50 per cent. of the present tariff rates, and in some ceases the rate is about 50 per cent.
Hongkong goods affected by the new tax are cotton piece goods, rubber products, electric and fittings, singlets, a socks. There is already cent. surcharge on cotton piece goods from Hongkong, and now the New tax has been increased to £0 per cent. This increase has had an adverse effect in piece goods from Shanghai, as the tax. is applicable to commodities from foreign coun-{tries or anywhere outside Kuangtun The Customs authorities here hav? no information about the new tax.
It is understood that the impost will be collected direct by the provincial department of finance—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.