MORE RECIPROCITY WANTED.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 121, 25 May 1927, Page 4

MORE RECIPROCITY WANTED.

WITH AUSTRALIAN TRADERS.

WHEAT A2TD BUTTER.

The aotiou of Australian farmers in eeeatiatt for increased protection against New Zealand butter imports has raised the" whole question of reciprocity between this country and Australia, 0a the one Bern* New Zealand is a goed customer for large quantities of Australian manufactures, as well as canned and ether fruits. Iβ primary products almost every year at a certain season fairly large quantities of onions are imported, whilst the Dominion s normal shortage of wheat, flour, I pollard and bran is made up by extensive purchases from our neighbour. Seed oats, feed oats, maize, and potatoes are imported occasionally, according to varying market conditions. On the other hand, Australian buyers saved the situation for New Zealand potato growers last year, when the Dominion had a record crop and Australia was short. Now the Australian farmer is seeking protection' from the competition of New Zealand potatoes and butter, whilst the Canterbury farmer wants to keep out Australian wheat and flour. Iα both countries the consumers* and mercantile interests ace affected and it is at this stage that chambers of commerce have taken the matter up. The Palmerston Nortn chamber recently circularised other chambers of commerce .suggesting that further efforts should be made to improve reciprocal trade relations with' Australia. Its views ace expressed in the following' resolution:— "This chamber of commerce views with disapproval the demands made by farmers, both in Australia and New Zealand, for embargoes or prohibitive duties between the two countries on the direct products of the land. The support of other chambers is asked in requesting the New Zealand Government to continue and improve upon the reciprocal tariff now in force." The Auckland chamber has now written to the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, Minister of Finance and Customs, supporting this resolution. The letter to the Minister ststes, inter alia: "It ie considered most desirable that the efforts that you yourself have made to improve the goodwill existiag between Australia and ourselves by a reciprocal tariff should be furthered as far ae possible."

It should be noted that quite recently, under pressure from Canterbury fanning and milting interests, the Minister announced that the duty on flour would be increased from £& to £4 per ton. It ba« not been stated when this added duty will operate, and as several months' notice has to be given to the Australian Government when changes are contemplated, it may possibly never be made effective. It may, indeed, be intended as a "gesture." When the Prime Minister was in Auckland he preserved a reticent attitude ou this particular subject.