TRADE WITH CANADA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22068, 26 September 1933, Page 8

TRADE WITH CANADA

EXTENSION OF AGREEMENT A PREMATURE ANNOUNCEMENT. (FfcOM Ovu Parliamentary Repoiteb.) WELLINGTON, September 25. The statement cabled from Vancouver some weeks ago that an extension of the Canadian-New Zealand trade agreement had definitely been arranged was denied by the Prime Minister (Mr G. W. Forbes) in an interview to-night. Mr Forbes said that a renewal of the agreement was a matter for the Cabinet and that so far- no consideration had been given to it. The original treaty expired on May 24 last, but in view of the then approaching World Economic Conference in London it was considered advisable by the Governments of the two countries to preserve the status quo by extending the treaty for another six months. This extension expires on November 24. While in the United States of America on his return to New Zealand Mr Forbes met the Canadian Minister of Trade and Commerce (Mr H. H. Stevens) and discussions are believed to have taken place between the two Ministers in an effort to increase trade between the two Dominions. At that time a Press Association cable message from Vancouver stated that the treaty would be renewed for another year with slight modifications and that under the new arrangement the Canadian Government was to keep New Zealand exporters fully advised several months ahead as to how they should govern their shipment schedules. When his attention was called to this statement Mr Forbes said the question of a renewal of the treaty was one for the Cabinet. There was no foundation whatever for the statement, as the Cabinet had not yet given any consideration to an extension of the treaty, but in view of the approaching expiry of .the present agreement the matter would no doubt be dealt with shortly.