TRADE WITH CANADA.

Kaikoura Star, Volume LI, Issue 69, 27 August 1931, Page 2

TRADE WITH CANADA.

THE TARIFF DEADLOCK. FURTHER DELAY DEPLORED. Delay in a satisfastory settlement of the tariff question with Canada was viewed with concern by a meeting of the Wellington branch of the Canadian British Traders’ Association formed in Wellington on Thursday, when the following officers wore elected:—Chair man, Air D. A. Ewen; Secretary, Air J. L. Coutts; committee, Alessrs. J. B. MacEw r an, D. F. Moncur, J. Al. de Schryver, A. L. Hayley, W. P. Walker, and A. J. du Pont. The meeting was unanimously of the opinion that much publicity had been centred on the cause, or what might be termed an examination of the responsibility for, the creation of the deadlock, but concentration on such facts could not possibly assist towards an early resumption of trade on a mutually satisfactory basis whether the indiscretions were on tho part of Air Bennett or our own Prime Alinister. The difference of opinion between the two Dominions from an Imperialistic point of view was deplorable, and by no means must the commercial impoverishment be disregarded both in Canada and New ZeaHand. Long associations and pleasant trading relationships with this country were being cruelly terminated with resultant hardship, and in many cases impending ruin, to a great number of New r Zealand merchants and individuals. The association stressed the necessity for immediate action on the part of both Governments. Pride and dignity on cither side should not provide a barrier and hold sway over such a serious and vital issue. Every week that passed registered an extension of foreign trade with this Dominion. The longer the delay in concluding a settlement due to ineffective negotiations, tantamount to wrangling, the more difficult would be the task for Canada to regain her connections in this market. The association viewed with great concern the present indications whereby a. permanent and satisfactory settlement may be considerably delayed pending ihe visit of a Canadian Minis ter to this country. Such delay would prove disastrous to large numbers of merchant firms throughout New Zealand. Why not call a truce whereby immediate restoration of rhe preferential tariff be extended to Canada in return for reduction of duty ou New Zealand butter to the Australian treaty rate of 5 cents—this to be instituted as a temporary measure without commitment to either Government, and to become operative immediately, pending a. permanent trade treaty being finalised at a later date. Such a considerate action on the part of the two Governments concerned would remove all present obstacles and provide a stepping stone. Afention was made of the good work already performed by the Auckland branch of the Canadian-British Traders’ Association of New Zealand, and it is the intention of the Wellington interests to extend full support and assistance whereby consiliatory action on the part of both New Zealand and Canadian Governments be adopted immediately towards expediting an amicable settlement of the present tariff dispute.