MINISTERS IN CONCLAVE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1739, 2 May 1913, Page 5

MINISTERS IN CONCLAVE.

ON RECIPROCITY. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND IN LINE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Melbourne, May 1. At the conclusion of yesterday's reciprocity negotiations between. Messrs. F.' G. Tudor, F. M. B. Fisher, and G. E. Foster, Customs Ministers for Australia, New Zealand, and Canada respectively, tho announcement was mad© that an agreement had practically been concluded so far as Australia and New Zealand were concerned, but that no particulars as to tho details would bo niado available until the two Parliaments had been consulted. Ministers have agreed only aa to tho lines along which a reciprocal arrangement is possible. It was at first thought possible to reach an agreement between Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, but it was soon ftnind that this was impracticable, owing to tlio totally conflicting interests of tho three Dominions. There is no similarity in regard to the reciprocal and commercial interests between Australia and Canada, and Australia and New Zealand. Tho three Ministers have therefore abandoned the idea of a reciprocal

treaty. . jiuoW. ! ««>< Messrs. Fisher and'Tndo'r were .in agreement upon most of the items upon which a mutual tariff arrangement could bo effected between Australia and New Zca-

land, and ultimately came to. an under Standing.

Mr. Tudor will continuo negotiations with Mr. Foster regarding an agreement with Canada. "SCHEMES IN THE AIR." OLD AGE PENSIONS, AND WIRELESS Sydney, May 1. The "Sydney Morning Herald" states that if the schemes which are now in the air mature it is likely that reciprocal arrangements between Australia and New Zealand will be established in other directions than commerce. With a view to discussing details' of certain proposals lie has in his mind, Mr. Fisher (New Zealand) will travel from Albury to-day with Mr. Fisher (Australia), and place before him the results of tho Melbourne conference,:. It is \hoped, as a Tesult, that negotiations, will be advanced towards Canada.

One of the subjects upon which it is suggested an understanding should bo readied is reciprocal action with regard to old age pensions—that, under certain safeguards, Australia should pay New Zealand pensioners resident jn tho Commonwealth, while New Zealand should act similarly towards Australian pensioners. It is known that'both Ministers aro of one mind on tho subject, and it is hoped that while travelling together they will agree on some of tho finer details. The question of maintaining tho wireless station erected by Dr. Mawson at Maequario. Island will also be discussed.

Mr. Fisher departs for New Zealand on Saturday next.