TRADE CONFERENCE FAILS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 1 December 1934, Page 7

TRADE CONFERENCE FAILS.

AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND NEGOTIATIONS ABORTIVE. POTATOES THE STUMBLING BLOCK, j: . «{By Telegrapn-Press Assn.-Copyright) Received Saturday, 1.15 a.m.' CANBERRA, Nov. 30. Complete failure attended the conference of the" New Zealand delegation and representatives of the Commonwealth on trade matters. When the deliberations concluded -this evening" disappointment was expressed by representatives of "both sides at the ahortiveness of "the negotiations. '. The following official - statement •was issued by Sir Henry Gullett (chairman of the conference) and Hon. J, G. Coates (leader of the New Zealand delegation): "The delegates, .after exploring all matters hearing upon the proposals made for comprehensive amendment and improvement of the existing trade treaty \ "between the two [Dominions, decided that, at the present time and under the existing circumstances, an agreement could not he reached. The conference has, therefore, closed, although -there are a few minor ' matters which may he further? considered "before the New Zealand delegates leave Australia." 'lt is unofficially reported that an agreement hinged upon the Commonwealth removing the existing 'embargo on the importation of New Zealand potatoes, the New Zealand delegates making it clear that this •embargo must be lifted before they ■were prepared "to' come to terms upon any other matters. The Commonwealth representatives were immediately faced with .political' considerations, because of the export trade in potatoes enjoyed by Tasmania with the other States, except Victoria, which, too, objected to the entry of New Zealand potatoes.