TRADE RELATIONS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 24, 29 January 1912, Page 7

TRADE RELATIONS.

DISCUSSION IN CANADA. AUSTRALIAN TREATY SUGGESTED. By Zeiegrsph.— Press Anoe!»t!on.-~Cojyrlgfctk OTTAWA, 27th January. In the Dominion House of Commons, Mr. Ames initiated a discueeion on Empire trade relations. 'H© declared that Canada had given preference to Britain as far as she could : the next move must come from, the Motherland When she was ready to grant advantages Canada would be willing to give even more. Discussing the question of preferential trade with Australia, Mr. Ames declared that already many Australian exports wero admitted free, but if they could give preference on butter, fruit, leather, meat, and tallow, as well aa the advantages accorded under tho French treaty in connection with light wines, prunes, raisins, and currants, it would be an attractive offer. Mr. Foster, Minister for Trade and Commerce, did not wish to ask for preference for preference. Few of the articles on which Australia and Britain gave preference benefited Canada. He hoped to arrange a conference with the Australian Government. Sir Wilfrid Laurier suggested that Mr. Foster should go to Australia, and endeavour to arrange a treaty. CANADIAN OVERTURES BEING MADE. i LIST OF ARTICLES FOR TARIFF I ■ REDUCTION. (Received January 29, 8.5 a.m.) OTTAWA, 28th January. Mr. Foster, Minister for Trade, is making overtures to Australia with a view to establishing a trade agreement. He will aek for reductions in the Australian tariff on the following articles :— Agricultural implements, ammunition, boots, shoes, metal manufactures, textiles, wearing apparel, vehicles, bicycles, and motors. Mr. Ross, Commissioner for Australia, .has reported that the Australian Government is preparing to consider the tariff arrangements. Mr. Foster is prepared to go a* a special representative to Australia to endeavour to conclude an agreement. AUSTRALIAN MINISTER'S OPINION. (Received January 29, 9.45 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. The Prime Minister (Mr. A. Fisher), in referring to the Canadian reciprocity cable messages, states that the Commonwealth Government wanted to meet a Canadian representative so us to talk over the matter. Until they understood one another they could not discuee terms of reciprocity. Hon. F. G. Tudor (Minister of Trade and Custom*)) stated that he had not received any communication from Canada. Mr. Foster's visit would be welcome, and would greatly facilitate the preliminaries. Personally, he thought that the Commonwealth Government was unlikely to grant preference on any articles upon which a profitable trade has been built up by means of tho tariff. If they could promote trade without injury, and with mutual benefit, it would be a splendid thing.