RECIPROCAL TARIFFS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 24, 28 January 1911, Page 5

RECIPROCAL TARIFFS.

THE AMERICAN AGREEMENT, FOODSTUFFS ON THE FREE LIST. (By Cable.—-Press Association.—Copyright.) OTTAWA, January 27. 1 Mr- Fielding (Minister for Finance) made a statement to-day in the Dominion House of Commons regarding the tariff reciprocity arrangement, which hae ; just been concluded with the United States. Wheat and other grains, dairy produce, fresh fruits, fish, eggs, poultry, cattle, sheep, and vegetables will be reciprocally free. Canada places on her free list cottonseed oil, and the United States free lien will include lumber. Canada removes the restrictions on the exportations of pulp-wood; raw materials and mica, gypsum, etc., are made free. The rates on secondary food products have been reduced, also on an extensive list of manufactures. Can- ! ada lowers the tariff on • agricultural machinery. REDUCED COST OF MVING. THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. NEW YORK, January 27. President Taft's message to Congreuo expresses the belief that the reciprocity agreement will materially reduce the cost of living in the United States. It emphasises that the United States and Canada will be drawn closer together following the tightening of the commercial bonds. Finally President Taft says: "Canada has cost us nothing in the way of preparations for defence against her possible assault and she never will. She has sought to agree with us quickly when differences have disturbed our relations," NOT CHEERING TO BRITAnr. PROSPECTS OF AMERICAN MARKET. .(Received 8.15 ajn.) LONDON, January 27. The "Morning Post" comments on Sir G. H. Reid's statement that if reciprocity . with the Mother Country could be arranged, Australian opinion would heartily welcome it. The "Post" ridicules the Liberal statement that the Dominions are turning from Imperial reciprocity, fearing it will mean death to autonomy. Though Canada has avoided the entanglement of a treaty, the new agreement with the United States will not tend to cheer Britishers. The reciprocal free list is not of vital importance, since it mainly affects articles in which Britain does not compete, but the manufacturers of tinplates are apparently going to lose preference. Of far greater significance is ;he fact that Canada is realising that the American market is more promising. The agreement 'will give America a leverage to force the door further at a later period. EFFECTS ON FRUIT INDUSTRY. (Received 9.20 a.m.)' OTTAWA, January 27. Conservatives express the opinion that British Columbia's fruit industry will" probably be ruined by reciprocity. Sir Wilfrid Laurier's supporters express satisfaction at the agreement. POLITICIANS SATISFIED. (Received 1.50 p.m.)" OTTAWA, January 27. Politicians in Ottawa think the reciprocity bargain good in view of what is usually granted by the United States.