TRADE AGREEMENT

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 31, 6 February 1935, Page 11

TRADE AGREEMENT

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

The probability that a further" trade agreement between Australia and New Zealand, would be the subject of a discussion' next month was mentioned by Mr. R. H." Nesbitt,' Australian" Trade Commissioner, in an interview, reports the "Christchurch Times." .Certain aspects concerning potatoes and citrus fruits had been delayed for some time, said Mr. Nesbitt, but it was likely that a delegation of Australian Ministers, led by Colonel White, Minister of Customs, would be in New Zealand 'in March to discuss these.1 •It was not possible to forecast what was likely to result, though, of course, it was hoped that it would be satisfactory.

This was not the only trade agreement in prospect as far as Australia was concerned. ,The question of the restriction of Aiistralian imports into England was to be discussed, and there was the possibility "of further discussions with Japan, Belgium, Germany, end Italy with the prospect of increased trading with these countries. All were heavy wool buyers at the Australian sales and all had been wheat buyers.

Mr. Nesbitt said' that trading generally in Australia was on the upward grade, and there had been definite advances.The prices for butter and wool were encouraging, though not as high as had been expected. It was hoped that better wheat prices would be obtained this year, as drought and other conditions had meant a fall in the wheat harvest of about 20 per cent. In New Zealand, too, Mr. Nesbitt noticed encouraging signs. Business everywhere seemed to him to be brisker, and there was a brighter tone apparent. Since his arrival in the Dominion in March last to undertake the new office of Trade Commissioner for the Commonwealth he had had a ■ multitude or inquiries from New Zealand business houses and had been successful in bringing a number of buyers and sellers together in the two v countries.