AUSTRALIAN N.Z. TRADE
NEGOTIATIONS CLOSED MR. MASTERS - STATEMENT [PEB PBESS ASSOCIATION.] STRATFORD, April 20. Asked whether conversations were likely to be resumed between New Zealand and the Australian Governments relative to the trade agreement Mr. Masters (Minister of Commerce) stated it was doubtful if the negotiations, which had been carried to a certain stage by Mr. Coates and himself would be re-opened just at present. “The general impression in the mind of the public appeared to be that the whole negotiations centre round the question of the export of potatoes by New Zealand and the export of citrus by the Commonwealth,” said the Minister. “I wish to make it clear that important though these two commodities are, there are major problems of much greater national importance to be decided. For instance, New Zealand’s present adverse trade balance must be reduced and whilst I appreciate we cannot hope for, nor expect a perfectly balanced trade in view of the greater diversity of goods manufactured in the Commonwealth, we must at the same time strive to obtain closer approximation of our ideal in this direction.
“Adjustments arising out of our recently amended tariff legislation .also call for consideration, and in addition there is the important question of the diversion of trade from the United Kingdom to Australia, which, at present, is receiving consideration of both Governments. “During the visit of the Premier and Mr. Coates to London, matters relating to the trade of both Dominions will be fully discussed and as these discussions ‘have a definite bearing upon trade between Australia and New Zealand, it is possible that . suggested conversations between Australian and New Zealand Ministers will be delayed. I may say that if the Commonwealth Government decides to send a representative to New Zealand to discuss trade questions, including those mentioned, we will be pleased to meet them, and do our utmost to reach mutually satisfactory agreement. It is the desire of both Governments to bring about a condition of trade of benefit to both countries, because it is obvious that an agreement which is not satisfactory to both parties cannot. be lasting.” ______
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Greymouth Evening Star, 20 April 1935, Page 7
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352AUSTRALIAN N.Z. TRADE Greymouth Evening Star, 20 April 1935, Page 7
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