N.Z. AND CANADA

Hokitika Guardian, 17 November 1931, Page 5

N.Z. AND CANADA

no improvement in

POSITION

(By Press Association)

WELLINGTON, November 16

The Minister of Customs, Hon. W. Downie 'Stewart, stated to-day. that he fully realised the exasperation of the merchants of tnfe Dominion at the slow progress that is made in remedying the trade situation with Canada, but there had been no delay at this end. Immediately after completion of the Budget, he reopened negotiations with Canada. He continued : “Within a few days I reached a point where Canada inquired by cable what was the earliest date that i could meet her Minister of Trade and Industries at ■Honolulu. Nothing was said, however, as to a temporary cable agreement to relieve the situation. I notified Canada, I could leave this month. However, just then a decision was made by the New Zealand Government to hold the general election almost immediately. I presume the Canadian Government thinks it necessary to ■await the results of the New Zealand election before taking any further steps. If so, I cannot complain of that, but I have done my best to expedite matters, and I have twice cabled asking for a reply and for permission to explain to merchants how ■matters stanch No one regrets more than I do the difficulty in which the New Zealand merchants representing Canadian interests find themselves placed. I was quite prepared to take the risk of being absent from New Zealand during the elections so far an my own candidature was concerned if it would have hastened a settlement of thia important question. ’