FREE HAND NECESSARY

Hokitika Guardian, 15 March 1928, Page 4

FREE HAND NECESSARY

XEG(>TfATIONS WITH AUSTRALIA. WELLINGTON, March 13. The .Minister of Customs (the Hon AY. 1 townie Stewart), in a letter received hy the Wellington Manufacturers' Association to-day, stated that he line! noticed that the association had recently passed :t resolution to the effect that no .definite promises should he given in respect of any items that might be brought up for discussion by the Commonwealth Minister for Trade and Customs until the New Zealand manufacturers concerned had been consulted. “I think.” wrote the Minister, ‘‘that, on consideration, your committee will sec that it, is not practicable to deal with the matter in this way. As you are aware, the object of tile visit of Air Prat tea to New Zealand is to come to some agreement with the New Zealand Government with respect to trade between the two eountris. A Minister who is acting lor either country must, therefore, lie in a position, before the negotiations conclude. .to agree to certain definite rates of duty on particular articles. Any inquiry which L made so far as Yew Zealand is concerned must therefore (to he of real use) he completed before the negotiations are finished. “It effect were given to the resolution passed hy your committee, it would be practically impossible to have the negotiations conducted on a '-•itisfuctorv basis, since the manufacturers have their business organisations all over New Zealand. Further, if the suggestion of ymir commit tee were adopted, how toiild the Government refuse to allow a similar course with respect to other good- than mailufactored crtii and hmi i-oiild it justify non-consultation uifli i*'i aid's. farmers'’ unions, chambers of commerce. the Hop-growers’ Association, and many'other organisations throughout NAw Zealand interested in trade and commerce? Such a course would practically preclude the completion of any agreement.”