REORIPROCITY

Evening Star, Issue 19778, 31 January 1928, Page 4

REORIPROCITY

AUSTRALIA AND HEW ZEALAND In conversation with a ‘Post’ representative, Mr D. J. M'Gowan (president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand) expressed pleasure at the prospect of the early visit to New Zealand of the Hon. H. E. Prat ton (Commonwealth Minister of Trade and Customs). "The tariff arrangements between the two countries have been much criticised during the last few months,” he said, “those who are affected, whether in New Zealand nr Australia, having expressed their views on the duty on butter, wheat and flour, hops, potatoes, and other articles.” Mr M'Gowan slated that he did not wish to discuss the incidence of the duties on any of these lines, but merely to express the pleasure of the commercial community at the prospect of the early review of the reciprocal treaty between the Commonwealth and , the Dominion. “The policy might drift into one of retaliation rather than reciprocity, and in view of the good feeling existing between the two countries, and having regard to their close proximity, it is extremely desirable that trade should flow freely across the Tasman. It is probable that misunderstanding exists on both sides, and if so, this should readily be cleared away in conference. Both Governments have been actuated by a desire to protect the intorsts of their primary producers, and their respective claims should bo mutually recognised and protected, without straining the harmony of commercial relations. Though the balance of trade is in favor of Australia, and New Zealand is in a strong position to negotiate, the Dominion has pinch to gain from an amicable working agreement.” “ 1 trust that our Government has already cordially concurred in the suggestion that the whole matter should be reviewed,” said Mr M'Gowan, “ and it is earnestly to be hoped that the good work not only of the present Minister of Customs in New Zealand, but of his predecesors in office, will bear full fruit in the forthcoming conference.”