RECIPROCITY IN TRADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14928, 28 February 1912, Page 8

RECIPROCITY IN TRADE.

DOMINION AND AUSTRALIA. A* QUESTION IN THE HOUSE. Jnx IauEonAPH.— special coEßESTOjaresT.} Wellisgtox, Tuesday. Proposals for a reciprocity tariff between Australia and New Zealand have been made recently by the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, and one aspect of the question was reviewed in the House of Representatives this afternoon. - The member for Temuka (Mr. T. Buxton) asked the Prime Minister whether steps would be taken towards a revision cf the tariff, and an agreement with the Commonwealth that would secure more equitable terms for the admission of New Zealand produce into the Commonwealth. Mr. Buxton reminded the House that h desire for reciprocal trade relations with the Dominion was recently expressed by the Federal Prime Minister (Mr. A. Fisher). The Australian duties on such commodities as grain; chaff, butter, eggs, vegetables, and bacon were double those levied in New Zealand against Australian produce, and if they were equalised the New Zealand farmer would be greatly benefited. He suggested that, a Commission should be appointed to report upon the question. .Sir Joseph Ward replied that he was in general sympathy with the aspirations of Mr. Fisher in regard to the interchange of tariffs, and the promotion of trade between the two countries. He did not think a Commission would be the best way of dealing with the matter, as the responsibility must rest upon the two Governments. At the present juncture it was not practicable for the New Zealand Government to go into the matter, but he would be glad to do all he could to further the friendly desires of Mr. Fisher as expressed publicly, and to him (Sir Joseph Ward) personally.