HON. W. DOWNIE STEWART.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 350, 18 March 1922, Page 5

HON. W. DOWNIE STEWART.

VISIT TO AUSTRALIA. TRADE RECIPROCITY DISCUSSED. MELBOURNE. .March 17. The first session lia-s been held of the conference between (bo lion. W. Downie Stewart and Mr Rogers. ’Flic latter proposed the mutual exchange of the British preferential tariff between both countries as the basis for a trade treats. 11c cx-

plained Hint thorn was a mistaken impression in Now Zealand, and also in Aitstralia, that New Zealand was placed on the general list as a deliberate policy. The

Dominion was placed there temporarily as a point from which to start negotiations for a reciprocal tariff arrangement, ft was desired that the Dominion should understand that the Commonwealth would like closer trade relations with New Zealand 1 and also a general linking up on matters affecting trade relations and Empire problems.

Mr Stewart replied that the offer was unacceptable in globo and submitted an alternative scheme, which the Tan'll Hoard is to investigate.

Speaking subsequently at a luncheon, Mr Stewart remarked that it was practically impossible to carry out an exchange be cause New Zealand’s production of foodStuffy was similar to Australia's. --Press Association. If If SY WEEK IN SYDNEY. MELHOERN'E, March 17. The lien. \V. 1 townie Slew,’art, Minisicr of Customs fur New Zealand, icached Melbourne'on Wednesday, alter am sy ueek in Sydney, meeting deputations and discussing tariff matters in general. At the Victorian border he was me! by the Com roller Gem-ral of Customs, and the Neve Zealand Trade Commissioner (Mr Main-on), Mr Downie Stewart spoke at a f hamber of Ceintnerce hmeheon on Thursday, having

a splendid reception, and creating a very favourable impression, lie has received mnnher oi invitaiions to tiddress mumilae-lei't-rs, h.niveisity 'indent.' and others. I’.e" Association.