TARIFF RECIPROCITY.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 April 1922, Page 5

TARIFF RECIPROCITY.

A RECIPROCAL TREATY. STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Prime Minister stated to-day that he had been advised by the Minister for Customs (the Hon. Downie Stewart) that he had completed his labors in Australia in connection with the negotiation of a reciprocal customs treaty and would return to the Dominion by the first available steamer. Mr. Massey said the Minister gave no indication in his message as to the nature of the agreement arrived at, or whether he conidered it satisfactory. It was quite possible that a provisional agreement had been made with some points left for final settlement after consultation with the respective Governments. When the treaty is in final form it must be submitted to the New Zealand Parliament for ratification. Alterations in the tariff made necessary by the treaty if successfully negotiated will be provided for by Order-in-Council under the terms of the Customs amendment. No such order in council can have effect unless and until it is ratified by Parliament. Under these •circumstances the operation of the treaty cannot commence before Parliament meets next session, and probably will commence in June. AGREEMENT NOT REVEALED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn —Copyright Melbourne, April 12. Details of the tariff agreement between New Zealand and Australia will not be disclosed till placed before the respective Parliaments. A separate agreement made in the interests of the merchant community of each country is also embodied in the main agreement. It entitles goods transhipped from the Commonwealth to the British preferential tariff, provided they are entitled to it if imported direct to New Zealand and vice versa. Steps will be taken to bring this provision into operation on May 1.