RECIPROCITY.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVIII, Issue 14880, 11 October 1912, Page 2

RECIPROCITY.

The question of reciprocity was brought up in the House recently, by a Southern who asked the Giverr meit what steps had been taken in regard to entering into rfnegotiations with the Commonwealth with the object of arranging a reciprocal tariff. He understood there was a strong feeling in Australia . favourable to such an arrangement, and he thought that the matter "was so important that, in the interests of New Zealand, it should be considered without further loss ot time. He had received advice that there was every possibility of an exceptionally good season in Australia next year, and if, that turned out to bqffhe ca-se,they might not be so ready to listen to re presentations from New Zealand. In reply, the Prime; Minister said it was impossible to deal with a question of such importance during the present session. He had been informed, however, that steps were being taken to arrange a conference during the recess between the New Zealand and Commonwealth “Governments. It was possible that the Canadian .a,nd South African Governments would, be represented at the conference. The question Jf reciprocity is well worth the attention of the Government, for an immense amount of trade can be done between New Zealand and Australia, and there should not be any valid reason why they might not even work together work together on a business basis. The -proposed conference should not' have much difficulty in arranging a tariff suitable to both countries, for it is well known which lines come under the heading of trade between the two. In time of drought in .Histialia, the latter becomes a most remunerative customer for New Zealand, and, in view of this fact a reciprocal arrangement might well be established. As showing that there is very little in the way of reciprocity at present, it ig an everday occurrence, even in parts of the Auckland Province, for business people to actually refuse to take Australian silver when tendered by customers. Presumably, they are of the opinion that the coins would not be received by the Banks, and if this be so, it is an evidence that it is full time that a broader spirit should be maintained between the two countries.