NEW ZEALAND AND CANADA

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 November 1931, Page 10

NEW ZEALAND AND CANADA

DESIRE FOR AGREEMENT. [PEB PRESS ASSOCIATION.] , WELLINGTON, November 16. The Minister of Customs, Hon. AV. Downie Stewart, stated to-day that he fully realised the exasperation of the merchants of the Dominion at the slow progress that is made in remedying the trade situation with Canada, but there had been no delay at this end. Immediately after completion of the Budget, he re-opened negotiations with Canada.

He continued: “Within a few days I reached a point where Canada inquired by cable what was the earliest date that I could meet her Minister for Trade and Industries at Honolulu. Nothing was said, however, as to the temporary cable agreement to relieve the situation. I notified Canada I could leave this month. However, just then a decision was made by the New Zealand Government to hold the general election almost immediately. I presume the Canadian Government thinks it- necessary to await the results of the New Zealand election before taking any further steps. If so, I cannot complain of that, but I have done my best to expedite matters, and I have twice cabled asking for a reply and for permission to explain to merchants how matters stand. No one regrets more than I do the difficulty in which the New Zealand merchants representing Canadian interests find themselves placed. I was quite prepared to take the risk of being absent from New Zealand during the elections so far as my own candidature was concerned if it would have hastened a settlement of this important question.” CANADA’S DELEGATE. OTTAWA. November 16. It is understood that Mr Stevens is planning' to leave immediately for a parley at Honolulu, on the subject of a trade treaty with New Zealand.