TRADE AGREEMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 7 April 1933, Page 6

TRADE AGREEMENT

SIGNED THIS' MORNING

DETAILS NOT AVAILABLE

(Per Press Association Copyright.)

WELLINGTON, - April -'7

The trade agreement between Australia and New Zealand was. signed by Hon. J. G. Coates and Senator Massey Greene on the train, shortly after three this morning. - - Mr Coates accompanied Mr Greene to Palmerston North oil a special train, lin'd afterwards returned'jo Wellington; Mr Greene and other members of iii< delegation then proceeded to Auckland to connect with the steamer for Australia. It is understood a complete agreement was reached on all point;; of importance,- hut the contents of the agreement will not be revealed until hot]) Governments have had an opportunity to consider it in detail, and the Commonwealth and Dominion Governments will agree op a date for the release of the text, which must also he ratified by the Parliaments in both countries. As the next session in New Zealand is unlikely before August, there i-s likely to ! 0 same delay in securing a ratification,'hut this will not prevent certain measures being .taken as aqon. as the Government have ao-reed. This refers particularly to the embargo on New Zealand potatoes and Australian fruit and vegetable;?.

Suggestions were made during ijie negotiations that. consequent on the lifting of the embargo on potatoes, there should be an additional duty of ten shillings per ton, hut this has boon vesi-sted by the New Zealand Government. Many features of the agreement will have to he effected by alterations in the tariff schedules, and this will he done in New Zealand next session, m-obahlv when the general revision of the tariff is being made.