TRADE WITH CANADA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20844, 10 April 1931, Page 11

TRADE WITH CANADA.

TIME RIPE FOR REVIVAL. NEW TREATY PROPOSED. ACTION BY BUSINESS MEN. The possibility of securing a revival of trade with Canada was keenly discussed at a meeting of the council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce yesterday. Members thought the time was ripe for action by the New Zealand Government and by the Associated Chambers of Commerce. Mr. H. Turner drew attention to the fact that New Zealand now came second on the list of best' customers of Canada. New Zealand felt very keenly that Australia had got in ahead of this country by its reciprocal trade agreement with Canada. There were indications, however, that it would be possible for New Zealand to make a reciprocal trade agreement with Canada now; in fact, Cana-' dian people were expecting some such agreement. Since the Canadian duty on meat and butter had been almost doubled, New Zealand had dropped out of the trade. Canada should naturally be one of the best customers of New Zealand. New Zealand produced a better class of butter and better lamb and mutton than Australia. He moved that the council should ask the Government to approach the Canadian Government with a view to arranging a reciprocal tariff agreement. Mr. D. Carter said the shipping service between New Zealand and Canada had not exactly ceased, but the demand was not there. He strongly urged the need of action, but said the New Zealand Government had unfortunately closed the door by ill-advised action 'in putting a prohibitory duty on Canadian imports. The first thing to be done would be to remove that duty. It was agreed that the council should take up the matter with the Government and the Associated Chambers of Commerce, seeking the co-operation of the Dairy Board and the Meat Board. It will also get in touch with Canadian chambers of commerce.