TRADE TREATY

Hokitika Guardian, 24 April 1926, Page 1

TRADE TREATY

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. DUNEDIN. April 22. • A reference made yi Dunedin on Monday by Sir Henry Barwell concern. * iug trade relations between New Xeu- ’ land and Australia, in which lie said ' that the reciprocal tariff agreement could be extended with, advantage, specifically instancing Australian dried fruits, was replied to by the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, Minister for Customs, in an interview to-day. Afr, Downie Stewart said: “When the tariff of 1921 was passed, a suspended duty of 2d per pound was provided for on dried fruits from foreign countries. 1. intended to use this item in negotiating a treaty with Au.sralia in exchange for any concessions that New Zealand might find it desirable to ask for. The intention was that by imposing a duty against foreign countries, such as Smyrna, and Greece, we would thereby give preference to Australian dried fruits. The terms of the treaty were, however, agreed upon without the question of granting dried fruits preference coining under discussion. I therefore decided to hold it in reserve until I saw how tho treaty was received by the New Zealand Parliament and New Zealand producers and manufacturers, so that if I had overlooked any important New Zealand interest- 1 would still have something to bargain with, in order to remedy the position. CERTAIN GRIEVANCES. “On my return to New Zealand the treaty appeared to lie well received by Parliament ami the various interests affected. and 1 then made certain proposals to. Australia, with, a view to giving them tin’s prel'ereuve. Shortly alter tin’s, however, whilst negotiations were proceeding, action was taken by the Australian Tariff Board, or the Australian Customs Department, which adversely affected certain New Zealand industries, and I notified the Australian Government- that when these grievances were remedied I would recommend 'lie New Zealand Government to concede to Australia preference on its dried liaiiC. by bringing into force the suspended duties against foreign countries. So

far, these grievances have not . been remedied, and. indeed, others have been created by the Australian system of granting bounties on exports. And as the New Zealand market for dried fruits is one of great value to Australia, f did not feel warranted in giving them such a valuable concession until an equitable adjustment had been ;>r-

ranged in regard to the grievances I have mentioned. “If these difficulties were overcome, I should ho quite prepared to recommend the granting of preference to Australia in the interests of Imperial trade, and of a large number of Australian returned soldiers, whose fortunes are at stake in this industry. “It is not correct, however, to say that California receives any lretter treatment that Australia, so far as dried fruits are concerned, as, until the suspended duty is brought into force, all countries arc on an equal looting.” .