TRADE AND TARIFFS

Grey River Argus, 10 March 1933, Page 5

TRADE AND TARIFFS

AUSTRALIAN CHANGES New Agreements Sought (Aus. & N.Z, Cable Assn.) (Received March 9 at 7 p.m). OTTAWA, March 8. It. is learned that certain extensions of the Canada-Australia Trade Treaty arc now under contemplation and that very satisfactory and cordial negotiations arc being carried on. An ■announcemet is expected before long. The nature of the proposed extensions could not be learned. OTTAWA READJUSTMENTS. CANBERRA, March 9. A tariff schedule giving effect to the Ottawa agreement, was tabled by the Minister of Customs (Mr. White), It provides for increased duties on eight lines of goods and 51 reductions of special duties. A resolution was tabled freeing from the 50 per cent, surcharge, thirteen important groups of goods, including gramophone rc-‘ cords, motor cycles, and frames, motor vehicle bodies, and assembled motor vehicle chassis. Excepting by special agreement or until after six months’ notice has been given to the New Zealand Government, nothing in the resolution covering special duties will affect any goods manufactured or produced in New Zealand entering the Commonwealth from New Zealand. Mr. White said that irrespective of Ottawa, this trend in tariff adjustment was inevitable and essential to bring to a reasonable level prohibitive rates on many items on which the Tariff Board had not had the opportunity to report, as was provided they should do under the Act. While the results might be unsatisfactory to sincere free traders or stern protectionists, the aim was to attain a fair balance between primary and secondary industries, and in conjunction with the comprehensive schedule already before the House, to bring the greatest measure of development of employment and general prosperity to Australia. DUTY ON FISH LIFTED. CANBERRA, March 9. An official proclamation to-day exempts from primage duty fish caught by Australian trawlers outside Australian waters. This proclamation is the sequel to a trawler’s operations in New Zealand waters, which raised official doubts whether their catches were liable to primage. Australian Trade Mission TO NEW ZEALAND. (Received March 9 at 10.15 p.m.) CANBERRA, March 9. Reversing its decision earlier in the week, the Commonwealth Government announces that Senator Massey Greene is going to New Zealand on a trade mission, to endeavour to have the New Zealand fruit embargo lifted. Senator Massey Greene possesses an extensive knowledge of trade matters. He will be able to go to the Dominion owing to the Senate not meeting immediately. He sails on March 11. N.Z. TRADE WITH THE EAST. (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, March 9. Complete arrangements have been made for New Zealand producers and manufacturers to be represented at the Empire Fair, Hong Kong, next May. according to a statement issued by the Minister of Industries and Commerce. Twelve hundred square feet has been allotted to New Zealand free, in the main building. In addition, space could be obtained at a small charge if required. Mr. Masters communicated with the principal Chambers of Commerce and Manufacturers’ Association on the matter, and as a result, a number of firms have signified willingness to take part. The Department of Industries and Commerce has arranged with the Union Steam Ship Company for bona fide exhibits to be carried at half rates between the Dominion and Australia, and the Australian and Oriental Line, which runs the service to Hong Kong, has also agreed to carry exhibits at half ordinary rates. Mr. Masters said the Fair appears fo offer an excellent, opportunity for display of New Zealand products in the East. FRUIT MARKETING. (Aus. & N.Z, Cable Assn.) LONDON, March 8. Senator Grant (Tasmania) after investigating the prospects of the coming fruit season is apprehensive of the New Zealand decision to place all fruit in the hands of one firm, and also of the general tendency to sell fruit at auction instead of by private treaty. This has a bad effect on prices. The possibility of eliminating the spirit of competition between like various firms previously handling Australian and New Zealand fruit might adversely affee't the growers. N.S.W. SITUATION. SYDNEY, March 9. Premier Stevens issued a statement showing that the State had made a substantial recovery financially and industrially, since the present Government came into office. Ho said that the number of persons requiring food relief had decreased from 150,000 to 100,090 in eight months. Marked improvement in the financial position was evidence of a substantial recovery. The Government had been able to give substantial tax relief, and was able to envisage further tax relief which would foster business expansion and employment. The Government was moving rapidly towards budget equili-

brium, and lost business was now being recovered. BRITISH WHOLESALE PRICES. (British Official Wireless). RUGBY, March 8. As measured at tho Board of Trade average, wholesale prices in Britain for February, showed, on a balance, a decrease of 1.3 per cent, compared to January, and a decrease of 6.0 per cent, compared to February, 1932. BRITISH REVENUE. RUGBY, March 8. A Treasury return shows that the ordinary revenue last week amounted to £26,319,817. If this figure should be maintained, the Budget estimates for the year ending March 31, would be realised. The Income tax and surtax receipts last week totalled £19,454,000.