SIGNED AT 3 AM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 82, 7 April 1933, Page 8

SIGNED AT 3 AM.

TRADE AGREEMENT.

AUSTRALIA AND N.Z. TERMS AWAIT RATIFICATION. TARIFF CHANGES NEEDED 1 . (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) .WELLINGTON, this day. A trade agreement between Australia and New Zealand was signed by the Rt. Hon. J. G. Goates and Senator W. Massy Greene on the train shortly' after three o'clock this morning. Mr. ;Coates accompanied Senator Greene to Palmerston North on a special train, and returned to Wellington while the Australians went on to Auckland to connect with the Monowai for Sydney. It is understood a complete agreement was reached on all points of importance, but the contents'of the agreement-will not be revealed until both Governments have had the opportunity to'- consider it in detail. The Commonwealth and Dominion Governments will agree on a date for the release of the text, which must also be ratified by the Parliaments in both countries. As the next session of Parliament in New Zealand is unlikely before August there is likely to be some delay in securing ratification, but this will not 2>revent 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 10/ 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 tariff schedules, and this 'will be done in New Zealand next- session,- probably when the general revision of the tariff is being made.-