TRADE TREATY.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 September 1924, Page 5

TRADE TREATY.

AUSTRALIA AND CANADA. NEW FIELD FOR PRODUCTS. BASIS OF RECIPROCITY, By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Ottawa, Sept. 25. It is announced that a trade agreement between Australia and Canada has been finally concluded. The Premier (Mr. Mackenzie King) said the agreement is of a reciprocal nature, granting Canada preference in many lines of export, Canada agreeing to extend equally favourable treatment to various Australian products. The details have not yet been announced. Received Sept. 28, 11.5 p.m. Melbourne, Sept. 28.> In connection with the AustraliaCanada reciprocity agreement, the Federal Premier (Mr. S. M. Bruce) explained that under the agreement. Australia would grant Canada a, reduction in duty on twelve items, while the Commonwealth would receive a reduction on fourteen items. The Commonwealth concessions embraced two schedules. The first comprised goods to which the British preferential tariff applies, including fresh, dried and preserved fish, gloves, printing, electrotyping machinery, adding and computing machines, cash registers and paper, including newsprint- The second schedule, on which the intermediate tariff applies, includes corsets, rubber boots, shoes, iron and steel tubes, pipes and propelled machinery parts. Canada grants the Commonwealth preference as regards fresh and tinned meats ,lard, tallow, egge, cheese, butter, onions, dried and canned fruits, vegetables, wines and a few other items. Mr. Bruce claimed that the arrangement was a step towards the realisation of the ideal of Empire-wide preference. It included only a limited number of items, but he was confident that it would so increase trade between the two countries that an extension would be found practicable and desirable. Mr. Prattan (Minister for Trade) said the arrangement provided an excellent opportunity for the entry into a large and profitable market, of which he hoped primary exporters would be able to take full advantage. Formal resolutions for the ratification of the schedules will be introduced in both Houses and will be debated during the coming week. It is stated the treaty cannot operate before .next January, as the Canadian Parlianient does not meet till then.