NEW ZEALAND TRADE

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2136, 30 April 1914, Page 11

NEW ZEALAND TRADE

UECIPROCITY WITH AMERICA

£.Dn.;SNOWDEN SATISFIED

'■^f-'Nevf'-Zealand' business men appear favourable to the suggestion for a reciprocal trade agreement with the Unit''hl'States/', said Dr. Alfred B. Snow-'ck-n,;;:0£..,th0 American Trade Commisskm',«.w'ho was .visiting Melbourne last .j J. ..- '„■■ ■. , ■ ■ ■'"WeAvisited all . the leading towns snrl cities of this Dominion," he .continued, ■ "meeting the members sn the various Chambers of Commerce and. discuas.iug with them tho question of tho development of trade in meat and dairy products between the two countries ; ami I think I may e«fc-!y say they evinced an interest in our suggestions which ■ augurs well for the future business relations. ' "I. would not, however." he. proceeded, "be quoted as saying that they'.have given Ms any assurance of taking 'action to , secure the adoption of siteh an agreement in the immediate future. We iised i« mecti the Members of ibo different, organisations and have as informal chat, making xta attempt to secure promises, or anything -of that kind: but from the keen interest evinced, especially in tho dairying centres. I have every liopc greater attention will bo paid to this subject from now on. "Many Australians fail to appreciate tho growth of the trade between New Zealand and North America, which has received such a great impetus since the Underwood tariff wetit into effect in tho United States," Dr. Smnvdon continued. "But when I tell you that the population of the United States lias increased 30 per cent, during tho past--20 years, while agricultural production has only increased abemt 8 per cent., and that- the amount of dairy products iu the West barely suffices to supply the domestic market, I think they will realise tins splendid opportunity fas- developing trade in Jmttar and bent' and mutton from tha Southern Dominions. You kftowy , he added, "the difficulty in the "United States hits been, that the ratio between -industrial and agrisultnral development has twen so much in favour of the former that we a re-reach-ing a point wliero. in tho future,, wo shall have to look for supplies from other countries, and give up our position as a grain aisd meat exporting nation. : "In what is known as tho New Engi laud States particularly," ho went ou, i "agricultural production has so ilccreus- ! od that they iiavo hfi-en forced to draw uptit the sonthfcrn a«d western States for supplies; and recently, since tho Underwood tariff went'into effect, the Argentinians lia-vo ken shippmg beef and mutton to ouj eastern markets at a splendid' profit. "Now, what I should like to point out is this: That, with.the opening of the Panama Canal, there is no reason why ■ Australia and New Zealand diouM Hot ; avail themselves of such a s-p.todi-d market. Of course at the present moment tho Argentine has almost a aitiflo-paU , of that field; but when the canal is j opened refrigerator steamers eau leave | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, er Awokland. and land butter, cheese, bfof and lmitton in New York quito as cheaply as tho Argentinians. And there is aa almost unlimited dnnend for such foodstuffs in the Eastern States, .So far, as I said, onr western producers have controlled the trade in mica commojlitics: but they aro now confronted with the fact that their supply is not equal j to the.demand; and if tho.high cost of livings of whicl} we hear EO.iMieh, even ' in Australia, is to bo reduced, the public of tho United States will look to these southern countries.for help.' "That boiiig so, why the necessity for reciprocity P"' he was asked. "Because," Dr. Snowden answered, .''supposp that a heavy trade in the 3« commodities is developed between. Atistralia and. New Zealand aiml tho IMM States under the present American tariff. So lottg as there is a democratic President in the White House our tar- : iff; will remain unchanged—«rteii«ly it will not bo raised; but 'should a Koptits- ■ licaii Administration como into o:ffrce there would jbs a readjustment of tliO schedules wliidi mighi seriflu&ly-incon-venience the Busine&s men of the counttrios which have been sufficiently alert to take advantage of the- present scale ef duties. If, however, these countries secure a. reciprocal trade agreement on mutually advantageous lines there will bo sio need to w'orty about political possibilities in tho United States," It is to discuss such possible arrange-, fflents that the commissjoiiefs ere touring Australia aiitl meetifig- the business men of tho larger centres. Dr. Snowden state? that everywhere- tho commission lias been received with the greatest courtesy and hospitality, and that they have found those with whom they have como into contact keenly flliro to tho potentialities of tire situation. Asked whether they have en-eounfeerca any opposition from advocates of a ■greater British preference, Dr. Snowden said: "No, I cannot say we havo over heard that subject mentioned. B-ut aro we "not blood relations to. Australians and New Zealandors- Wn f.pea-k the BaißO tbflguo; we are equally gressive in business, and, I .believe, have, the samo ideals as nations. Wβ have splendid markets to offo.r you. Your business men arc alert aiW. intelligent. We have something to 'offftr thflm; they have something to giY? «s. Why not lot. us get togotiier as business men?"