TRADE TREATY

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 105, 28 January 1931, Page 10

TRADE TREATY

New Zealand and Australia

THE WAY CLEARED

Ministers’ Consultations

WANTS TO BE SET OUT

Dominion Special Service.

Auckland, January 27.

The way has been paved for the conclusion in the near future of a new trade treaty between Australia and New Zealand, according to a statement made by the Hon. Parker Moloney, Commonwealth Minister of Markets, and Transport Minister, prior to his departure for Sydney.

The Minister’s announcement was based on the result of his consultations in Auckland yesterday with the Post-master-General, the Hon. J. B. Donald. Mr. Moloney stated that, following discussions which had taken place on his arrival in Auckland with Mr. Donald, as representing the Government, and Mr. H. T. Merritt, president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, he had had lengthy consultations yesterday with Mr. Donald on the subject of the negotiation of a new trade treaty between Australia and New Zealand. “At the conclusion of these interviews,” Mr. Moloney added, "we were both of opinion that a satisfactory agreement could be arrived at for the promotion of better trade relations be tween the Dominion and the Commonwealth. On my return to Australia I intend definitely to recommend to my Cabinet that every vestige of trade Australia is at present doing with foreign countries that New Zealand could supply be diverted to her. I feel sure that, from what I know of views of the Rt, Hon. G. W. Forbes and the Hon. J. B. Donald that that feeling is reciprocated in New Zealand.”

An Agreement Made. The Minister stated that it had been agreed as a result of the consultations with Mr. Donald yesterday, that the Governments of both Dominions should prepare lists setting forth the trade requirement of each and exchange them as soon as they were available. When that had been done there would be only the further step required of sending Government representatives from New Zealand to Australia or from the Commonwealth to the Dominion in order to conclude negotiations. “I feel perfectly satisfied,” said Mr. Moloney, “that as a result of my conversations with Mr. Donald the way has been paved for the fulfilment of much more satisfactory trade relationships between Australia and New Zealand than exist at present. lam highly delighted with the result of today’s deliberations.” . “There was no thrust at New Zealand made by me while in Canada, as appears to have been suggested •by a recent cabled comment to which my attention has been directed,” the Minister added “The at’ilude taken up by me both at the Imperial Conference and in Canada might better be described as a Dominion one and not an attitude ms. to the detriment of any particular Dominion.” _ ... Wheat Importation. It is understood that Mr. Moloney discussed also with Mr. Donald the question of increased wheat importations from Australia, to meet any shortage in the local supply which the visiting Minister had been informed would result from damage done by the hot winds experienced in the South Island. The reception of his representations is reported to have satisfied Mr. Moloney, and he is looking forward as a result to orders for a considerable quantXy of wheat being placed with Australia from New Zealand,