TARIFF RECIPROCITY.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 June 1922, Page 5

TARIFF RECIPROCITY.

THE DRAFT AGREEMENT. MATTER FOR PARLIAMENT. The tariff agreement arranged by the< Minister for Customs, Hon. \7. Downie Stewart, during his recent visit to Australia, will be laid before the House of Representatives early in the coming session, and the members of the House wi!F be asked to agree to the proposals. There is bound to be much discussion over these matters. The Minister has not indicated the terms of the draft agreement, but it is known that the Australian authorities have been willing to make important concessions in t return for other concessions on the part of the Dominion. A tariff agreement between New Zealand and Australia has to contain compromises, since the interests of the two countries clash at various points; Three interests had to be considered in presenting proposals on behalf of New Zealand. The producers of this country are anxious to have an outlet into Australia for their butter, oats, potatoes, and other products. The New Zealand manufacturers desire to be protected against Australian machinery boots, leather, confectionery, and so while the New Zealand consumers with to have the advantage of the relatively cheap goods that Australia is able to offerin certain lines. The Australian Governmeat has interests of a similar nature to consider. The Minister has said that the Australians met him in a generous spirit and that the draft agreement is an important one.