TRADE TREATY

Hokitika Guardian, 4 September 1930, Page 6

TRADE TREATY

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. REVISION NECESSARY, SYDNEY, Aug. 21.' Speaking enthusiastically in Mel- ; bourne of the harmonious relations that existed between New Zealand, and Australia, M.r.H. j. Munson,)New Zealand agent in Victoria, who will 'retire on superannuation this month, briefly outlined the development of trade and friendship between the sister Dominions during the 25 years he has been 1 in office. He said that when he first set up the Department in Melbourne he found that the rivalry that existed between the two countries was not of a friendly character. Each lacked knowledge of the other, and misunderstandings were frequent. Each treated the other as a foreigner. “To-dav there is ' not the slightest" suspicion of ill-feeling,” he said. “Hi6‘ peoples of the two Domini'.ns have come to know and respect each ether, and trade has been doubled, f feel that the time is not far distant whoii the. freest trade relations will exist, and as 'far as possible, on a tree trade bi t .is, ber ause the conditidus Under 1 which trade is conducted are praciieal-'j ly tlie same in both countries. 1' l'diglit rates should have a steadying influence on unnecessary competition, but tliCiho are times, when extensive trade can"od' indulged in, to the benefit of the consumers, without disturbing the' home market. Ibis is because of .the sea-' , son a hie differences. ) “For marketing abroad the closest co-operation between the trading authorities of both countries is essential, particularly in the handling of meat and butter. The matter is receiving' the close attention of the trading boards, which are now in close touch with each other.” Mr Manson said that the reciprocal- 1 trade treaty of 1922 between Australia and New Zealand bad worked satisfactorily until recently, when anomalies-' had arisen which it was difficult 'tb ■overcome. New Zealand had thrbwri out a gesture to have the defects re-' niedied, and at present information' was being gathered which would be su[K ■ plied to both governments for discussion sit a proposed conference to take' place sooii between the' trade authorities of both. Dominions. A Very pfd^ non need feeling was held by the trade authorities of New Zealand in favour • of a complete overhaul and revision of the treaty, and that should tend to 're--establish happy trade relations, and bring about an increased ’ trade. 1 : Another indication, of the desire of Australians arid New Zealanders to get together and know each other better was manifest, in the exchange of ‘ visits of farme'rsi Farmers' from eacli cou'ritrv could learn something from ' 1 the : .farmers of the .other. .The interchange; of tourists and sporting representatives could further help to strengthen the ties of friendship. He was confident that the-traditions’ of, Aiymc : prove ian’ ey.erlastfng link between tlie; two .Dominion's.-'' “■