EMPIRE TRADE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 152, 9 April 1930, Page 5

EMPIRE TRADE.

CANADA AND AUSTRALIA. THE QUESTION OF PREFERENCES (United Press Association—Copyright.) (Received This Day, 12:40 p.m.) OTTAWA, April 8. That Canada is ready to negotiate a complete exchange of preferences with Australia was. announced by Mr James Malcolm (Minister of Trade and Commerce) in reply to a delegation representing the lumber interests of British Columbia. He said the matter would he fully discussed with Mr J. E. Fenton (Australian Minister of Trade) when he visits Ottawa on his way home from the Navaf - Conference.

Mr Malcolm hinted that preliminary negotiations are in progress, and action is particularly sought in connection with Canadian lumber.

The delegation told the Minister that their recent visit to Australia show that that country was heartily in favour of extending trade within the Empire on a fair basis.

Mr Malcolm reminded the delegation that his predecessor (the late Hon. R. Robb) two years ago had expressed full accord with the proposal for full preference two countries.

The delegation suggested that the Dominion Government should establish Canadian credits in, Australian banks to facilitate the present financial conditions Australia. Their .visit there had shown tne wisdom of some such arrangement. It had also shown a decided desire on tl«*> part oF Australia that Canada should import Australian wines, which, the delegation stated, appeared decidedly reasonable and possible.