RECIPROCITY.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1714, 3 April 1913, Page 5

RECIPROCITY.

MR. FISHER'S MISSION. NEGOTIATIONS BEGUNjIN AUSTRALIA. MINISTERS OPTIMISTIC^ Br Teles rash-Prees Association-Copyright (Rec. 'April 2, 9.40 p.inj) Melbourne, 'April 2. • Mr. Tudor, Minister for T.Vsulc and Customs, and a largo number fid' New Zcalandersi to-da.v welcomed: Mr. Fisher, tho New Zealand Minister for Customs, 011 Ills arrival 011 his reciprocity mission. Mr. Tudor and Mr. Fisher discussed tho proposed reciprocity, agreement, suid agreed that each should furnish a liEt of the items on which reciprocity was desired.' Subsequently Mr. Tudor admitted that the matter was 0110 01" considerable difficulty, as tho two couu tries produced similar goods, and competed iviih each other. Ho had, however, become optimistic after examining the statistics, and expected to reach an agreement; which should considerably extend Australian trade with tho Dominion. A rosy view; was also taken by the New Zealand Minister, who instanced -the reciprocal agreement reached by Mr. DeaKin and Mr. Seddonjin lflOG, .-which was ratified by the Federal! Parliament, but owing to Mr. Seddon's death dill not get through tho Dominion Parliament. Tho difficulty was in. maintaining, (/he local 1 protection while giving a solid preference to Australian goods. There had been no real attempt to improve Australian and New Zealand, trade since 1300. Regarding defenco, j Mr. Fisher said ho was a strong advocate of joint action by Australia and New Zealand. Ho pointed out, however, that.'his Government was in complete ignorancs of tho Imperial position, as it had not yet received Mr. Allen's reports. "We arc unable to outline our policy until' Mr.. Allen's return," added Mr. Fisher, "ibut our party has been strong on this question."