DAUGHTERS OF EMPIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 97, 1 May 1913, Page 5

DAUGHTERS OF EMPIRE.

CONFER ON REGEPROGiTY.

MOST IMPORTANT PROPOSALS

[ By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.]

(Received 9.35 a.m.)

Melbourne, May 1. At the conclusion of yesterday’s reciprocity negotiations between Messrs Fisher and Foster, an announcement was made that they bad practically beer, concluded as far as Australia and New Zealand were concerned, but no particulars as to the details will be made available until the two Parliaments are consulted. Ministers agreed only as to the lines on which a reciprocal arrangement is possible. At first it v.as thought posible to reach asn agreement between Australia, New Zealand and Canada, but is was soon found that this was impracticable owing to the totally conflicting interests of the three Dominions. There is no similaiity ot reciprocal commercial interest between Australia and Canada and New Zealand. The three Ministers, therefore, abandoned the idea of a reciprocal treaty. Messrs Fisher and Tudor were in agreement on most ot the items upon which a mutual tariff arrangement could be effected between Australia and New Zaland, and ultimately they came to an understand ing. Mr Tudor will continue negotiations with Mr Foster regarding agreements with Canada. The Herald states that it the schemes which are now in the air mature, it is likely that reciprocal arrangements between Australia and New Zealand will bo established in other directions than commerce. With a view to discussing details of certain proposals, Mr F. M. B. Fisher (New Zealand) travels from Albury to-day with Mr A. Fisher (Australia), and will place before him the results of the Melbourne conference. It is hoped that as a result, the negotiations will be advanced towards maturity. One of the subjects upon which it is suggested an understanding should he reached is reciprocal action in regard to old age pensions, and that under certain safeguards Australia should pay New Zealand pensioners resident in the Commonwealth, while New Zealand should act similarly towards Australian pensioners. It is known that both Ministers arc of tiro one mind on the subject, and it is hoped that while travelling together, they will agree on some of the finer details. The question of maintaining the wireless station erected by Dr. Mawson on Macquarrie Island will also be discussed. Mr Fisher departs for New Zealand on Saturday.