TARIFF RECIPROCITY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18021, 21 February 1922, Page 8

TARIFF RECIPROCITY.

AUSTRALIAN NEGOTIATIONS.

MANUFACTURERS' CONCERN.

ASSURANCE FROM MINISTER [BI TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] CHRISTCHORCH, Monday. Interviewed to-day, tho Hon. W. Downie Stewart, Minister for Customs, said he could not reveal at present what lino the negotiations for tariff reciprocity with Australia would take.

"I have noticed," said tho Minister, "tho views expressed by" manufacturers and industrial associations and their apprehensions as to the effect of tho negotiations. I think they aro unduly apprehensive, as there aro numerous questions to be discussed which do not directly entrench on the interests of manufacturers at all. Apart from that, in so far as manufacturing industries are concerned, even if industrialists aro doubtful as to my sagacity in the matter, I think they have confidence in Mr. Montgomery, con* troller of customs, who has a vory intimate knowledge of the manufacturing industries in New Zealand, and who has done all the spade work in connection with the present negotiations.

"It must be romembered also that any agreement that is come to is purely tentative, and requires ratification by Parliament, so that even if the results of the negotiations were not considered satisfactory in any particular respect the necessity for the ratification by Parliament affords opportunity for further consideration."