N.Z. TARIFF CHANGES

Grey River Argus, 9 February 1938, Page 5

N.Z. TARIFF CHANGES

TO ASSIST INTERNAL TRADE No Australian Opposition [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] CANBERRA, February 7. The Prime Minister indicated today that Cabinet discussions over’ the New Zealand trade negotiatons were nearing an end. It was learned from other sources that certain information setting out Australia’s position and attitude is being cabled to New Zealand to-night, whereafter the Commonwealth will be in a position to indicate the general nature of the final negotiations. The “Herald’s” Canberra correspondent says: The opposition of a section of the Federal Cabinet to the adoption of the new trade agreement with New Zealand has resulted in the re-opening of the discussions with the New Zealand Government. Details of the agreement are still being discussed by a sub-committee of the Cabinet, and Mr Lyons said it was hoped it would again be considered by a full cabinet later in the week. (Received February 8, 7.25 p.m.) CANBERRA, February 8.

There were suggestions in certain morning papers that considerable dissension existed in the Federal Cabinet over the trade discussions with New Zealand These suggestions were strongly repudiated to-day by Federal Ministers. The Minister of Customs, Hon. Mr White, said the statement that there was strong opposition to the proposals made by New Zealand was an utterly untrue statement. As a matter of fact, the negotiations now were all but completed. It was emphasised in official circles that a new Treaty with New Zealand is not contemplated, but that New Zealand will make certain tariff adjustments which are designed to assist her in her internal industrial development. These changes, it is understood, are not of a kind discriminatory against Australia.