AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7970, 22 February 1906, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

FREETRADERS. Received February 21, 9.2 a.m. SYDNEY, February 21. At. a meeting of Freetrade members of the Federal Party, Mr G. H. Reid presiding, tbe issue 6f the next Commonwealth elections was diecussed. It was agreed to organise on anti-Sooialistiio lines,, and to contest all seats in New South Wales. The New South Wales Alliance has practically resolved to contest the State elections on the no-licenae ticket. RECIPROCAL TRADE. SLR W. LYNE'S VIEWS. Received February 21, 10.24 a.m. MELBOURNE, February 21. Sir William Lyne, Federal Minister of Trade and Customs, says he does not see how there can be reciprocal trade to any extent except in primary productions, and tbe interests of Tasmania uoald not be ignored in that connection. Still, he regarded it as a healthy sign that New Zealand was making a move towards gutting a special treaty with the Commonwealth. Sir Joseph Ward combats Sir William Lyne's statement that New Zealand was anxious for preference in consequence of the big slice Tasmania has cut off New Zealand trade. Ho claims that Federation haa not appreciably affected the trade of his colony, and a reciprocal arrangement as proposed would not interfere in any way detrimental to the trade of either country.

CABLE NEWS.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.