TRADE WITH CANADA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20987, 25 September 1931, Page 10

TRADE WITH CANADA.

PROGRESS OF NEGOTIATIONS. PRIME MINISTER'S ATTITUDE. "We are and always have been not only willing but anxious to enter conversations with Canada, and tbe fact thatnegotiations have not been undertaken long before this is not the responsibility of the New Zealand Government," stated the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, in a letter, dated September 11, dealing with trade relations between New •Zealand and Canada, which was received by the council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce at a meeting yesterday. The Prime Minister said the attitude of the Government had been sufficiently indicated in telegrams already published, and at present there was no alternative but to await a further intimation from the Canadian Government. The president of the chamber, Mr. A. M. Seaman, read a number of extracts from cablegrams which had passed between Mr. Forbes and the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. R. B. Bennett, and stated that as far as he knew there had been no further correspondence regarding an adjustment of the present position. "The next move must come from Canada," lie said. "We cannot press our Government to take any steps unless there is some change in the position in Canada." In reply to n question. Mr. Seaman stated that as far as he knew there had been no reply by the Canadian Government to the representations of the Canadian Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, Mr. C. M. Croft. "One gathers the impression that the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, the new Minister of Customs, may bo more favourable to the negotiations," he continued. "He has shown great interest in the House in the question of Canadian trad;:." Mr. C. F. Bennett suggested that n vote, of commendation should be passed ; by the chamber to the. Prime Minister, but the chairman remarked that a number of telegrams between the Prime Minister arid the Prime Minister of Canada had not been made public. The chamber could not do anything without full information, and there might be something in the latest correspondence which would not merit commendation. CANADIAN ASSOCIATION. TRADE POSITION DISCUSSED. A meeting of the Canadian-British Traders' Association was held yesterday, when the question of developing improved trade relations with Canada was discussed. Mr. A. B. Thompson presided over a good attendance of members. The change in the political position brought about by the formation of the Coalition Government was the main subject, and the question of forming a deputation to the new Minister of Customs, the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, was considered, many members expressing the opinion that a favourable agreement with Canada with regard to both exports of primary produce and imports might be concluded. The question of joining witti representatives of the exporters was discussed, but no decision was reached.