PREFERENTIAL TRADE

Otago Witness, Issue 3019, 24 January 1912, Page 29

PREFERENTIAL TRADE

LONDON, January 16. Correspondence from Ottawa which haa been, tabled in the House of Commons indicates that a preferential arrangement between Canada and Australia is within measurable distance of accomplishment.

January 17. The Morning Post applauds Canada’* proposed preferential trade arrangement with Australia.

Sir W. M. Aitkeii, M.P., interviewed, eaid that the proposal marked a step in the direction of Imperial preference that would prove most beneficial to Canada, Australia, and Xew Zealand. Dr Parkin, author and lecturer on Imperial federation, states that it had hitherto been assumed that it was useless to enter into a preferential arrangement wherein Great Britain had not taken part. The present proposals were the outcome of the rebuff the Dominion had met in trying to negotiate a similar scheme for a united Empire.

Sir W. Hall-Jones, in the course of an interview, said he hoped that the projected reciprocal scheme would give a further stimulus to interdominion trade. While such an arrangement is calculated to benefit the three countries commercially, it would likewise possess the sentimental advantages of more closely connecting them. He added that it would also be an object-lesson for all who wen studying the Imperial preference question, whether from a favourable or a hostik standpoint.

OTTAWA, January 16. According to returns furnished to Parliament, Canada is desirous of reaching a trade agreement with Australia as soon as possible. In the correspondence bo- '

tween the two Governments the Minister of Trade and Commerce agreed to grant Australia substantial preference in return for preference on Canadian articles of export, and also the free entrance of Canadian articles and natural products. The offer included proposals for improved steamship communication. Correspondence tabled in the Dominion House of Commons shows that a reciprocal agreement between Canada and Australis is within measurable distance of accora* plishment.

MELBOURNE, January 16.

Referring to the above message, M* Fisher declares that he is unable to indicate how far the negotiations have proceeded, but he says they have not passed the stage of inquiry.

January 18.

The Federal Government is prepared t« give Canada and New Zealand the benefit of the -British preferential duties, bu* several items will probably be excepted. Mr Tudor declares that if they hat had a reciprocal treaty there would hav( been no difficulty about subsidising th< mail steamers, but it was not advisable ta grant a subsidy on steamers calling at New Zealand unless they had reciprocity. During 1910 Australia had exported £BO,OOO worth of goods to Canada, and il a preferential rate had been in existence she would have saved £7727. The Canadian exports to Australia during the same period amounted to £110,294, and preference would have saved £3400.