RECIPROCAL TRADE

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1375, 28 February 1912, Page 4

RECIPROCAL TRADE

NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA. The question of reciprocal trade between New Zealand and Australia was brought up in the. House of Representatives yesterday afternoon by Jlr. T. Button ('J'omnka), who askod the Prime Minister, without notice, whether steps would be taken towards a revision of the tariff, ami nn agreement with the Commonwealth, so as to secure more equitable terms for the admission of our produce into 'the Commonwealth. Mr. Buxton mentioned that since lie last raised this question in Parliament the Federal Premier, Mr. A. Fisher, had intimated his desire for reciprocal trade relations with the Dominion. The Australian duties on .grain, chaff, butter, eggs, vegetables, bacon, etc., were much higher than ours, and if they were equalised it would bo a great advantage to New Zealand fanners. He suggested that a Commission should bo set up to go into tho matter. Sir Joseph Ward replied that ho recognised the importance of the subject, and was iu general sympathy with the aspirations of Mr. Fisher in regard to 'interchange of tariffs, and tho promotion of trade between the two countries. He did not think a Commission, as suggested by Mr. Buil on, would be tlic best way of dealing with the question, as the responsibility must rest upon the two Governments. It was not practicable at present for tho New Zealand Government to go into the matter, but he would be glad to do all ho could to further tho friendly de=ircs of Mr. Fisher, as expressed publicly and to. him personally. (Hear, hear.)