TRADE AGREEMENT

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 80, 1 October 1924, Page 5

TRADE AGREEMENT

CANADA AND AUSTRALIA

NEW ERA OF UNDERSTANDING

GERMS OF PERMANENT INFLUENCE.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.)

(AUSTRALIAN-SEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.)

(Received let October, 9 a.m.)

MONTREAL, 29th September.

The " Montreal Star," commenting on the trade agreement with Australia, says: " We are emboldened to hope that it will be on a much more practical and generous basis than any previous proposals. Neither Canada nor Australia has manifested much concern of a practical nature in the other's interests in the past. If tHe new agreement marks the beginning of a new era of closer and more sympathetic understanding between the two countries of their respective aims and ideals, as well as of commercial possibilities, it will be beneficial in more ways than one, and contain the germs of a permanent influence for Pacific progress and consolidation."

The reciprocal trade agreement between Canada and Australia was explained by Mr. Bruce, who stated that under the agreement Australia would grant Canada a reduction of duty on twelve items, and the Commonwealth would receive a reduction on fourteen items. The Commonwealth concessions embraced two schedules. The first comprised goods to which the British preferential tariff applies, including fresh, dried, and preserved fish, gloves, printTng, and electro-typing machinery, adding and computing machines, cash registers, and paper, including newsprint. The second schedule, on which the intermediate tariff applies, includes corsets, rubber, boots and shoes, iron and steel tubes and pipes, and propelled machinery parts. Canada grants the Commonwealth preference as regards fresh and tinned meats, lard, tallow, eggs, cheese, butter, onions, dried and canned 'fruits, vegetables, .wines, and a fewother items.

Mr. Bruce claimed that the arrangement was a step towards a realisation of the ideal of Empire-wide preference. It included only a limited number of items, but he was confident it would so increase the trade between the two countries that an extension would be found practicable and desirable.

Mr. Pratten, Minister of Trade, said the arrangement provided an excellent opportunity for entry into a' large and profitable market, of which he hoped primary exporters would be able to take full advantage. Formal resolutions for the ratification of theschedules will be introduced into both Houses, and will be debated during the coming week. It is stated that the treaty cannot operate before next January, as the Canadian Parliament does not meet till then.

Mr. Pratten, in regard to dried fruits, stated that Canada now imports 20,000 tons of dried fruits, and he hoped that Australia's proportion would be considerably increased. A greater demand would make the Commonwealth far less dependent for a market upon New Zealand.