TARIFF PROBLEMS

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 March 1922, Page 5

TARIFF PROBLEMS

AUSTRALIA ANDREW ZEALAND. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) MELBOURNE, March 17. Hon. Downie Stewart (Minister of Customs) reached Melbourne on Wednesday after a busy week in Sydney, meeting deputations and discussing tariff matters generally. At the Victorian border, he was met by the Controller-General of Customs and the New Zealand Trades Commissioner Mr. Manson. Hon. Stewart spoke at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Thursday, having a splendid reception and creating a very favourable impression. He has received numbers of invitations to address manufacturers, the University, and others. He opened negotiations on Thursday and rejected the Australian proposal to the ex change British preferential tariff, and made counter proposals to the Australian Government which are now being considered. MELBOURNE, March 17. Tho first session has been held of a conference between Hons. Downie Stewart and Rogers. The latter proposed a mutual exchange .of British preferential tariff for both countries as a basis for a trade treaty. He explained there was a mistaken impression in New Zealand and also in Australia that New Zealand had been placed on the general list as a deliberate policy. The Dominion was placed there temporarily, as a point from which to start negotiations for a reciprocal tariff arrangement. It was desired that the Dominion should understand the Commonwealth would like ploser trade relations with New Zealand, and also a general linking up on matters affecting trade and Empire problems. Mr. Stewart replied this offer Was not acceptable in globo., He sub- . milted an - alterantive - scheme; which the Tariff Board is to investigate. Speaking subsequently at a lunchedh, Mr. Stewart remarked that it was practically impossible to carry , out the exchange because New Zealand’s production of foodstuffs was similar to Australia’s. . .