TRADE RECIPROCITY WITH AUSTRALIA

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 62, 4 June 1927, Page 16

TRADE RECIPROCITY WITH AUSTRALIA

CONCESSIONS SOUGHT MR. MCLEOD’S SUGGESTIONS By Cablc.~ —Press Association.—Copyright SYDNEY, Friday. The visit to Australia of New Zee land’s Minister of Industries and Commerce, Hon. A. D. McLeod, concluded to-day, when Mr. McLeod left by the Marama for Wellington. In an interview, Mr. McLeod said he and his officers had had a very busy and interesting visit to the Com monwealth. “I was particularly impressed by the fact that in practically all the larger factories the bonus system of payment is in operation, and every effort is being made to extend that principle. Australian manufacturers have developed production to such an extent that in some instances outside markets are being sought for a number of lines. “Several companies suggested they were desirous of increasing their trade with New Zealand, which, on account of its proximity to Australia, offered one of the best markets for their products. In this connection, manufacturers expressed the opinion that New Zealand might favourably consider extending the full benefit of the British preferential tariff to Australia. “New Zealand could, no doubt, take some of the surplus production of Australia. However, unless Australia is prepared to take in payment some of the Dominion’s exports in the shape of primary products, I think New Zealand will have to adhere to the policy of giving the maximum preference to Britain, which now purchases practically the whole of our exportable production. | “Knowing as Ido the extreme diffij culties experienced under existing ecoi nomic conditions by primary industries | in countries where secondary indus- | tries are highly protected. I personally ’ cannot object to the Australian farmer i pressing for higher duties on outside ; products which are in competition j with his own. However, the duties

] suggested in respect of New Zeala butter, bacon and hams, for install • amount to an absolute embargo, an ; the duties were termed as sucn. 1 position would more readily be un j stood by all concerned. “Each of our countries has its particular difficulties in this reß Jf {S A most friendly relationship e between them, however, and I hopeful that when it is possible to Commonwealth Minister of Custom visit New Zealand a satisfactory justment will be made." —A. ana