The Press MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 1965. Free Trade

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30830, 16 August 1965, Page 12

The Press MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 1965. Free Trade

Australia’s Constitution Act of 1900 opened, and still leaves open, the way for the New Zealand “ colony ’’ to join the Commonwealth. Although there may be no more enthusiasm today on this side of the Tasman for a political union, events of the last four decades have led the two countries a little closer together to obtain the advantages of co-operation, particularly in communications and defence, while still strenuously protecting what are supposed to be the benefits of separate development. In 1933, each country granted to the other the benefits of its British preferential tariff, except for certain goods. Now there is an agreement which, within fairly narrow limits, places New Zealand on the same footing in trade with Australians as any state within the Commonwealth. The Minister of Overseas Trade (Mr Marshall) is wise to remind critics that the real significance of the agreement may not be seen for some time. This treaty has been signed only after long study and much consultation with industries likely to be affected. It is a notable landmark in relations with Australia, however narrow its application may be. When the value to both countries of this restricted area of free trade has been proved caution about enlarging it should not be so inhibiting.