THE EMPIRE'S TRADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15237, 26 February 1913, Page 6

THE EMPIRE'S TRADE.

The New Zealand sittings of the Dominions Royal Commission, opened at Dnnedin yesterday, should arouse interest in the subject of trade interchange between the different parts of the Empire. Though the Commission is debarred from approaching the vital question of tariff reform there remains much that may be usefully investigated and profitably reported upon. The enormous scope of the Commission's work may be gathered from, the list of suggestions made by the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce. These include the establishment of a reference bureau in London, interchange of knowledge, encouragement of immigration, cheaper communication by State-owned cables, ' shipping subsidies, a series of trade exhibitions, uniform shipping and patent laws, and the abolition of the heavy charges now levied on overseas newspapers reposted in England. Even in this brief list there are considerable possibilities for the improvement of the Empire's trade. Preferential trade and tariff ' reciprocity, wisely arranged, may be

simpler and more effective methods, but whether tariffs are uniform or diverse the Empire has something to gain from an inquiry which should at least result in the improvement of trading facilities and the removal of some of the handicaps to profitable interchange between the Mother Country and the Overseas | Dominions. While the Commission is sitting in New Zealand it is interesting to note that the Minister for Customs leaves next month for Australia to discuss the question of trade reciprocity between the two countries. The success of this mission must depend on the list of articles ultimately selected for favourable treatment, and there may be much discussion both in Australia and New Zealand before we can ultimately agree on a reciprocal tariff. But while in Australia Mr. Fisher ; can assist New Zealand shippers by securing them equitable treatment iin the allotment of space on the Vancouver steamers. While New Zealand is subsidising this service her exporters have a just claim to a. fixed minimum of cargo space now practically monopolised by Australian cargo, though Australia has so far declined to subsidise the service.