TRADE RELATIONS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1680, 22 February 1906, Page 2

TRADE RELATIONS.

SIR J. G. WARD IN AUSTRALIA,

Bjj telegraph, Press Affla’n, Copyrigb Melbourne, Feb. 21..

Mr Deakin states that bis conversation with Sir Joseph Ward as regards preferen. tial trade with New Zealand was a preliminary one. He did not consider details. He is in agreement with the proposition, so far as its general principle is concerned. If Mi Soddon comes over in April ho. will go thoroughly into the matter, which is not one to be hurried aloDg. It would to a good thing to examine the tariff schedules of both countries to asoertain if arrangements satisfactory, to both sides oould bo made. “We do not want,” he said, “ simply a sentimental arrangement, one that exists in name only. If we find there is a prospect of fostering trade by an alteration of duties, then the matter becomes one for very sorious consideration.” Sir W. Lyne says he does not see how there can be reciprocal trade to any extent, except in primary products, and the interest of farmers oculd not be ignored in that oonneotion. He failed to Bee bow they oould make aoy alteration which would rob Tasmania of the fruits cf union with the other States c f the Cornui >nwealth. He still regards it as a healthy sign that New Zealand was making a unve towards getting a speoial treaty with the Commonwealth. There wore many indigenous products in connection with which it would bo to the mutual advantage of the two countries to come to terms.

Sir Joseph Ward combats Sir W. Lyne’js statement that New Zraland is anxious for preference in consequence of a big Blice of Tasmanian trade haviDg been cut off the New Ztaland trade. Ho claims that Federaion has not appreciably affected trade with his colony, and a reciprocal arrangement as proposed would not interfere in any way detrimental to the trade of either country, Many duties in the rcspictivo tariffs failed to develop looal industries, and in rogatd to these ho thought a mutually satißfao'ory arrangement might bo made.