The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1933 TRADING OBLIGATIONS.
Owe of the requirements under the Ottawa Agreement was for the British Dominions to institute an inquiry into the existing protective duties, and where necessary, to reduce theme as speedily as possible to such a level as will place the United Kingdom producer in the position of a domestic competitor, that is, that the protection afforded to the New Zealand producer (in the case of this Dominion) shall be on a level which will give the United Kingdom producer full opportunity of reasonable competition on the. basis of the relative cost of economical and efficient production. It is interesting to recall that on her part, New Zealand lias bee n favoured by finding tho United Kingdom its principal trading centre, but it is not as clear that that state of affairs can continue, unless on a more reciprocal trading basis. New Zealand, in respect to its obliga» lions undertaken at Ottawa, has moved slowly, but the Tariff Commission inquiry is now completed, and the report is to be ready in the new year, while it is expected Parliament will reassemble in April to revise its range of customs duties in keeping with the report and recommendations, and the obligation entered into in regard to imports from the United Kingdom. The trading developments which have taken place of late, have shown that New Zealand may not expect the readily open market hitherto enjoyed at Home. Quotas and restrictions have been suggested, not out of malice or by way of punishment, but to enable. the United Kingdom producer to forge ahead in regard to lines he can supply -the domestic market without undue competition or glutting from overseas. The threat of quotas has created alarm, for the restriction on New Zealand produce ijiicreasing in volume season by season, would have a very serious effect on the economic position of the Dominion. When the Prime Minister was in England lately and the subject was broached, Mr Forbes said in plain terms: “What we fear is that if quotas are imposed there will be such repercussions as may seriously impair our solvency.” That put the position quite clearly, but New Zealand must do its part in the endeavour to avoid a serious check on tho export of produce which is the life-blood of the country. Recently New Zealand entered into reciprocal trading with Australia, and this is being considered ill-advised in some quarters. On late trade returns, New Zealand exports in value } about half the trade received from Au&tralia. but the figures are only fractional compared with those of British trade. In that connection, New Zealand exports were almost three times the value of the imports from Great Britain. Under the revised duties with Australia, Australia is on a lower scale than British goods in respect to many lines in which there is possible competition, and on top of that advantage, there is the high exchange rate against Britain. There is a definite obligation upon New Zealand to revise the whole position in regard to ‘British trading, and more and more preference must be shown for British goods not only under customs’ charges, but more important still, iu respect to local consumption. The Tariff Commisson sat long enough to closely investigate that important phase of its task, and considerable- evidence was heard on salient points. Parliament should have the matter put clearly before it, and it will be for the Government to give the House a lead in respect to this matter which i touches the future of the Dominion j so vitally. j
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Hokitika Guardian, 18 November 1933, Page 4
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609The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1933 TRADING OBLIGATIONS. Hokitika Guardian, 18 November 1933, Page 4
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