Evening Post. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1891. RECIPROCITY WITH THE UNITED STATES.

Evening Post, Volume XLII, Issue 92, 15 October 1891, Page 2

Evening Post. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1891. RECIPROCITY WITH THE UNITED STATES.

Mb. R. J. Creighton has oertainly served New Zealand well as its official agent in America. To his exertions tho Congressional snbsidy towards tho San Francisco service is mainly due, and he never loses on opportunity of pushing our oommeroial interests in tho States. Tho establishment of some measure of trade reoiprooity, including the free admission of New Zoaland wools to tho American markot, has long been Mr. Creighton's earnest desire, and from recent advices it would really &oem as if he wero now within measurable distance of its accomplishment. It appears that Now Zealand's determination not to join tho Australian Federation is likely to facilitate this. Tho American law now permits the Government at Washington to enter into reciprocity treaties with other countries. Such a treaty, in a more or less complete form, exists with Newfoundland, to the great advantage, it is said, of that island, but there is no reciprocity between the States and the Dominion of Canada, owing to the difficulty of dealing with the varied interests of the members of the latter federation. In like manner, American politicians believe that it woula be very difficult to establish reciprocal relations with a Commonwealth of Australia, but they see no difficulty in entering into a commercial treaty with New Zealand alono. The San Francisco correspondent of the New Zealand Herald goes so far, indeed, as to assert that Mr. Creighton has been successful in interesting Mr. Blame, the Seoretary of State, and Mr. Whabton, the Under-Secre-tary, in this project. Subject to the approval of the Senate, the concurrence of which body on certain points is not absolutely assured, Mr. Blame is stated to be ready to conclude a treaty on the most advantageous terms to both countries. With regard^to suoh articles as fresh fruit, hides, pelts, dressed meat, Ac, no difficulty is anticipated in securing frco admission of New Zealand prodnce to American ports, and apparently a large trade in this way might ho done. With respect to wool, there are still some difficulties to be overcome. On this point the correspondent we have referred to writes : — "Every American woollen manufacturer knows perfectly well that in making the belter class of goods he simply must have iomo Now Zealand or Australian wool. It is longor staple than anything that is grown in the United States. It is a noed that must be mot, whother duty is paid or not— that is, if tho best class of goods aro to bo made. These people, one and all, would favour rooiprooity and free wool. On the other hand there is a collection of woolgrowers in Ohio, and wool pirates in Texas and California, who would object, even though they cannot possibly snpply the grade of wool reSuired. The correspondent thinks, however, hat it is hardly possiblo that the objections of the Ohio farmers and the range pirates of the West would havo moro influence with the Sonata than the legitimate desires of the wool manufacturers of America and the general tradesmen of the States. Even|revolution has not diverted the attention of

Central and South American Governments from the advantages of securing free admission to the wool market of the United States) and envoys from theso governments are being sent to "Washington to endeavour to negotiate the matter. The Herald's correspondent Elrongly tirges that Now Zealand should do tho aairto, and with a view to bringing the matter to a definite conclusion should Bend a special representative to. conduct the iiego 1 tiations. The present Is said to be an opportune tinie to approach the Washington Executive, and the general feeling in America towards New Zealand is described as favourable, tho colony's renewal of the San Franciacd nri.il service being recognised as an act of friendliness. i Tile feaniirier, an influential organ, in noticing this, points out lidw New Zealand might easily have adopted the Canadian Pacific route in preference to the San Francisco one, and adds — " She has decided to stand by us. In view pf this friendly spirit it would be only fair for the United States to in'clrido Now Zealand in the scope, of its reciprocity system, as well aa to meet her half way in tho matter of the postal subsidy. The general reciprocity clause of tho Tariff Law, except as to hides, would do her no good, but tho State Department could negotiate a npecial treaty, and Congross ought to bo willing to adopt any legislation necessary to carry it into effect." Tho Governmout of San Salvador ha 3 already a representative at Waßliirigtbn urging tha wool ihtoreAta of his State. It might, perhaps, for the sake of appearances, be as well to send a special representative of New Zealand there on a like mission, but if this is not done, certainly Mr. Creighton should bo specially instructed as to the views and policy of tho Government, and be entrusted with full powers to negotiate) on the subject as tho officially accredited representative of New Zealand. The matter could not possibly be entrusted to more compotent or zealous hands.