SHOULD GET TOGETHER

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 260, 24 January 1928, Page 9

SHOULD GET TOGETHER

N.Z., AUSTRALIA AND TRADE VIEWS OF A VISITOR More reciprocity in the trading relations of New Zealand and Australia is what the Hon. Walter Bennett, M.L.A., considers business men in both countries should strive to achieve. MR. BENNETT is well fitted to speak on the subject. He has been Minister of Public Works and Minister of Forestry under two administrations in his State. Incidentally he is a New Zealander, owning Wellington as his birthplace. This morning he arrived on the Ulimaroa on a holiday visit to his native land. Many years ago, while on a visit to Netv Zealand, Mr. Bennett went into the trade question with the late Mr. Seddon at the time when the Australian Constitution was being adopted by the Federal Government. That both countries could work together in many ways was the opinion expressed by Mr. Bennett this morning. Both places have very much in common, he said, both as regards production and marketing. That being so he could not see that in the long run much could be gained by the establishment of protective tariffs. In the event of the Labour Party getting into power in the Federal Government, Mr. Bennett thought that many radical changes in the direction of protective tariffs would follow, the protection of Australian industries being the slogan of the party. For the benefit of both countries he hoped that such legislation would never eventuate. Mr. Bennett was last in New Zealand some twelve years ago. when he came over to attend a conference of the Press Association. Even from what he could see of the city from the boat he was much impressed with the changes that had taken place.