NOT IN SIGHT YET

Hokitika Guardian, 17 July 1931, Page 2

NOT IN SIGHT YET

NEW TRADE AGREEMENT

NEW ZEALAND AND CANADA

PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT

The Prime Minister, the lit. Hon. G. W. Forbes, haa informed the'Canadian British Traders’ Association that he can give no indication of when n trade agreement with Canada will be made, and that under the circumstances he cannot promise refunds of extra duty paid on goods contracted for before the tariff was raised but that the request will receive carefu] consideration, “We regret exceedingly that thp Government oou]d not see its way clear to make a definite promise of a refund after an agreement has been made, of the retaliatory duties now being col. looted but we are pleased to note that the question will then receive careful consideration” said Mr A, G. Wilson, secretary of the association, “The retaliatory tariff imposed ngainst Canada means a very serious direct loss to New Zealand importers on contracts made by them prior to any notice that increased duties were going to be put into immediate effect. It is also very disappointing that no indication can be given as to when a trade agreement, with Canada is likely to be made. This present state of uncertainty ig imposing a great hardship on New Zealand merchants and, importers. “If a New Zealand merchant orders a Canadian article in the hope that a trade agreement will be finalised, before the goods arrive, and the agreement is not completed, he is in the unfortunate position of being penalised by the extra duty,” said Mr Wilson. “On the other hand if ,he orders from a foreign country and the trade agreement is finalised, he is still penalised by the increased cost of the foreign article.” Mr Wilson said his association- wai in close touch with the Canadian manufacturers, who were doing all possible to impress upon the Canadian Government the urgency of negotiating for a mutu'aly satisfactory trade agreement.