AGREEMENT SIGNED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 151, 7 April 1933, Page 6

AGREEMENT SIGNED

TRADE WITH AUSTRALIA. COMPLETED ON TRAIN AT 3 A.M. ALL POINTS OF IMPORTANCE. THE LIFTING OF EMBARGOES. Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, This Day. A trade agreement between Australia and New Zealand was signed by the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates and Senator Massy Greene on the train shortly after 3 o’clock this inorning. Mr Coates accompanied Mr Greene to Palmerston North on a special train and returned to Wellington, Mr Greene and other members of his delegation then proceeding to Auckland to connect with the steamer for Australia. It is understood that complete agreement was reached on all points of importance, but the contents of the agreement will not- be revealed until both Governments have had an opportunity to consider it in detail, and the Commonwealth and Dominion Governments will agree on a date for the release of the text, which must also be ratified by the Parliaments of both countries. As the next session in New Zealand is not likely to be held before August, there is likely to be some delay in securing ratification, but this will not prevent certain measures being taken as soon as the Governments have agreed. This refers particularly to the embargo on New Zealand potatoes and Australian fruit and vegetables. Suggestions were made, during the negotiations, that consequent on the lifting of the embargo on potatoes there should be an additional duty of 10s a ton, but this has been resisted by the New Zealand Government. Many features of the agreement will have to be effected by alterations in the tariff schedules, and this will be done ini New Zealand next session, probably when the general revision of the tariff is being made.