RECIPROCITY WITH AUSTRALIA

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 260, 13 March 1911, Page 5

RECIPROCITY WITH AUSTRALIA

FAVORED BY THE DOMINION'S PREMIER. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Sydney, March 11. Sir Joseph Ward, interviewed, said that New Zealand was quite friendly in the matter of the Vancouver service, and would gladly work in conjunction with the Commonwealth in order to have a suitable service for both. Regarding the prospects of reciprocity between the Commonwealth and New Zealand, he would be quite ready to enter into a reciprocal treaty on lines fair and reasonable to both countries. It seemed a pity that two sister countries growing together could not arrange a tariff and add to the trade development of both. He recognised difficulties, and that manufacturing industries could not be interfered with; but there was ample room for a practical and effective treaty that would help to cement the ties of kinship. He had not had the chance of discussing the matter with the Commonwealth Government, but he would be glad to do so when the opportunity presented itself. SOME FURTHER OPINIONS. Received 13, 12.45 ajn. Sydney, March 12. At the N.Z. Association banquet, Sir Joseph Ward, in proposing .the toast of "The Commonwealth," said he would like to see a sensible reciprocal agreement between Australia and New Zealand. The Postmaster-General, replying, said lie was glad Sir Joseph wanted reciprocity. Why should we not have absolute free trade? he asked; and why not a | Parliament or Council of Australia and New Zealand to. deal with trade and commerce? Regarding the Imperial Conference, he considered one of the most important matters was the nationalisation of the Atlantic cable. It would then be possible to reduce the cable rate to sixpence a word. Dr. Findlay, in proposing the toast of New South Wales, said it would draw New Zealand and New South Wales closer together if they fostered a twodays' steamship service.