TRADE RECIPROCITY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144084, 1 May 1913, Page 3

TRADE RECIPROCITY.

AN ARRANGEMENT REACHED. BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. (Received, May 1, 9.35 a.m.) MELBOURNE, May 1. At tho conclusion of yesterday’s reciprocity negotiations Messrs. Tudor, Fisher and Foster made tho announcement that arrangements had practically been concluded so far as Australia and New Zealand were concerned, but no particulars as to details were to bo made available for publication until tho two Parliaments had been consulted. Tho Ministers agreed only as to tho lines on which reciprocal arrangements were possible. At first it was thought possible to reach an agreement between Australia, New Zealand and Canada, but it was soon found that this was impracticable oiving to the totally conflicting interests of tho three-Domin-ions. It was found that there was no similarity in regard to reciprocal com-* mercial-interests between Australia and Canada, and between Australia and New Zealand. The three Ministers therefore abandoned tho idea of a, reciprocal treaty. .Messrs. Fisher and Tudor were in agreement on most of the items upon which a mutual tariff arrangement could bo effected between Australia and New Zealand, and ultimately came to an understanding.

FURTHER SCHEMES SUGGESTED. (Received May 1, 11.20 a.m.) MELBOURNE, May 1. Mr. Tudor says that ho will continue his negotiations with Mr. Foster regarding an agreement with Canada. The Herald says that if the schemes which are now in the air mature, it is likely that reciprocal arrangements between Australia and New Zealand will bo established in other directions than commerce. With tho view of discussing details of certain proposals ho has in ids mind, Mr. Fisher, of New Zealand, will travel frora -Albury to-day with Mr. Fisher, the Australian Premier. He will place before him tho results of the Melbourne conferences, and it is hoped that as the result the negotiations will bo advanced towards maturity.

One of the subjects upon which it is suggested an understanding should he reached is reciprocal action with regard to old-age pensions, that under certain safeguards Australia should pay Now Zealand pensioners resident in the Commonwealth, while New Zealand should act similarly with Australian pensioners. It is known that both Ministers aro of one mind on tho subject, and it is hoped that while travelling together they will agree on some of tho finer details of the question. The maintaining of the wireless station erected by Dr. Mawson on Macquarie Island will also he discussed. Mr. Fisher will depart for New Zealand on Saturday.

CANADA AND WEST INDIES.

OTTAWA, April 30.

The West Indies agreement was discussed and tho third reading carried. It is announced that all the West Indies have agreed to enter into tho agreement with tho exception of British Guiana. Tho contract for a new steamer service to the Indies docs not permit of calls in American territory.