TARIFF QUESTIONS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11162, 18 March 1922, Page 8

TARIFF QUESTIONS

RECIPROCITY CONFERENCE HON. -DOWNIE STEWART IN MELBOURNE. A SCHEME REJECTED. By Teleeraph.—Tress Assn. —Copyright. MELBOURNE, Maroh 17. The first session of the conference between the Hen. W. Down ip Stewart, New Zealand Minister for Customs, and the Hon. A. S. Rodgers, Federal Minister for Customs, has been held. Mr Rodgers proposed a mutual exchange on the British preferential tariff. in both countries as the basis for a trade treaty. He explained that there was Oi mistaken impression in New Zealand —and also in Australia —that New Zealand was placed on the general list as a deliberate policy. The Dominion was placed there temporarily, as a point to etart negotiations for a reciprocal tariff arrangement. He desired the Dominion to understand that the Commonwealth would like closer trade relations with New Zealand, and also a general linking-up on matters affecting trade and 1 ’Empire problems. Mr Stewart replied that the offer was not acceptable in globo, and submitted an alternative scheme, which the Tariff Board is to investigate.

Speaking subsequently at a luncheon, Mr Stewart remarked that it was practically impossible to carry out an exchange, because New Zealand’s production of foodstuffs was similar to that of Australia. MINISTER WELL RECEIVED. (AusSralia-p P.A. Special.) (Received March 17, 9 p.m.) MELBOURNE, March 17. The Hon. W. Downifi Stewart, Minister for Customs, reached "Melbourne on Wednesday, after a busy week in Sydney meeting deputations and discussing tariff matters generally. At the Victorian border he was met by the Con-troller-General ,t>f Customs and the New Zealand Trade Commissioner,' Mr Manson. Mr Stewart spoke at a Chamber of Commerce -luncheon on Thursday, having a splendid reception, and creating a.very favourable impression. He -has received numbers of invitations to address manufacturers, the University, and others. He opened negotiations on Thursday, and rejected an Australian proposal to exchange British preferential tariff. He made counter-proposals to the Australian Government, which are now being considered.