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Hokitika Guardian, 19 August 1930, Page 4

An important part of Mr Forbes’ mission abroad, on which he is to set out next Monday, will be the matter of trade negotiations where possible. Mr Forbes is to travel via Canada, having .Looked by the Vancouver route. This is highly important in the circumstances, as the recent political changes in the big Dominion have affected the policy of th country in the matter of trade with New Zealand-. “In addition to the conference itself, there will be numerous matters requiring my attention while abroad, and in particular it is hoped to negotiate trade agreements with Canada and with France,” said the Prime Minister, the Hon, G. W. Forbes, when making a statement regarding His forthcoming visit to the Imperial Conference. During the last few weeks the Canadian elections have been held, and a new Government, headed by the Hon. R. B, Bennett, has ‘been formed, Many statements concerning trade agreements : and relationships with New Zealand 'were discussed during the election campaign, and some doubt has’ been expressed here as to the attitude which was being adopted towards New Zealand by the new Canadian Government. Mr C. M, Croft, Canadian Trade Commissioner for New Zealand, said last week that be bad been in communication with his Government, and he had received advice from the Canadian Minister for Trade and Customs regarding the attitude of the new Administration. “I have been informed,” lie said, “that R i s the intention of the present Administration to put forward every effort to extend, the trade- between New Zealand and Canada to the mutual advantage of both countries. With this end in view the Canadian Government has intimated the desire to co-operate to the fullest .extent in bringing about a favourable trade agreement between the two Dominions. Asked what commodities would he considered, Mr Croft said he would not like to express an opinion, but undoubtedly, the. exportable commodities of basic economic interest to the two countries would be discovered in the proposed negotiations. New Zealand fortunately sent a Trade Commissioner to ‘ Canada lately, and Mr Collins, who is the New Zealand representative, will doubtless meet Mr Forbes at Vancouver, and bo able to give him all the inside informntiion possible as to the situation in Canada, The actual negotiations in the matter will no doubt bo discussed with the Prime Minister of Canada, and his. Ministers. Mr Ben r nett, and some of his colleagues will' be at the Imperial ‘ Conference, and inter-Enypire tyadipg \y\\] be ivy the forefront of the djsciyssjons. It- is highly impqrtaiyt to the farming community' of New Zealand to secure a favourable trade■ agreement with Canada, The great surplus of produce in. this Dominion now is one of the difficulties of the economic situation. More markets are required as an outlet for. the prqduee, in order to keep the industries flourishing. Op that account Mr Forbes has the opportunity tor a good stroke of business, which successful, would mfihp his whole trip justified, apart from whftt may happen at the Conference table, Mr Forbes is also to endeavour to (pop up mpi-e trade with France. This is important also, Our neighbour, Australia, held a good deal of French trade, but the new tariff has destroyed the reciprocal basis, and Franco may offer something of an opening for New Zealand produce at the moment, As matters stand, it is (plain that increased trade negotiations will form a very important part of the mission of our Prime Minister while abroad during the next few months.