THE RECIPROCITY TREATY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 225, 20 September 1906, Page 3

THE RECIPROCITY TREATY.

ANOTHER WEEK'S DELAY. iRy Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Though the Extension of Comnicr.e Committee obtained an extra week in which to consider the reciprocity treaty with Australia, it failed to report when the report became due, and another week has now been given in which the committee can take evidence and prepare its report. The House will deal with the treaty in a much more summary fashion if the word of the Opposition Leader is to be taken. When the application was made to give the Committee a week's extension of time. Mr. Mas?cy opposed it on the ground that it was time the Committee should report. Delay would br\ a serious matter to tlie commercial community, which wa.s paying duty on articles which might be free when the reciprocity proposals were dealt with. " So' far as the Treaty is concerned," concluded Mr. Massey, " tlie majority of members will know very well what to do with it, and they will deal very effectively with it in a few minutes." Sir Joseph Wiard replied that tha Chairman of the Committee required to keep an appointment which he could not cancel, and a person living a long distance from Wellington desired to give evidence to the fruit industry. There was not much in the idea _4_t business people were prejudiced by the delay. No loss could take place to the commercial community, because the. proposals were for removal of duty. Any duties paid at present which might he abolished would be refunded. The House granted the extra week's time, to the Committee.