THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1906.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7973, 26 February 1906, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1906.

The question of fiscal reciprocity between New Zealand nnd Australia has reaohed the stage of informal ofHoial decision, Sir Joseph Ward having broaohed the general principle to Federal Ministers nud set the matter in train fur more conoise propositions when Mr Seddon visits the Commonwealth in April. In the preliminary discussion various i misunderstandings will be removed, not the least of them being the idea expressed by Sir William Lyne, Federal Minister of Customs, that this Colony is desirous of reciprocity because Tasmania supplies have injured our trade with the Austtalian Sates. In the very nature of things the ohange in fis-

oal arrangements brought about by the Customs uuiou of the old Australian colonies caused at the time a certain dislocation of our trade. Hut this has long boon adjusted, and tbia colony does not expect to be placed on,the aarao footing as Tasmania, which bears the burden and should eujoy the benefit of Federation. Upon this poiut there is, we venture to say, a cordial recognition of the inevitable; any proposition made by Mr Seddon will assuredly be found to acknowledge the legitimate claims of the constituent parts of the Commonwealth. As Sir Joseph Ward explains, "there are many duties in the respective tariffs which fail to develop local industries. 1 ' These are the dutiß3 upon which an amicable and mutually advantageous agreement may very easily be reached. In a way there is sentiment, the neighbourly sentiment of kindred States, who are desirous of helping one another when they can do'so without loss to themselves. But there is not only sentiment in it, but very praotioal business method, for if we help one another we both gaiu. That oar trade 1 with Australia is an important and growing one is already proved by its very great increase during the past year, shown by the Customs returns recently published. As Mr Deakin says, this is a matter which cannot bo hurried along, but when once our statesmen are agreed t h at-the respective tariffs shall be examined upon the line suggested by Sir Joseph Ward it is only a question of time when reciprocal arrangements will be brought about. The people of this colony are hearitly in favour of auon a commercial compact as will encourage trade with Australia without depriving our local industries of the protection oonsideied necessary for their safety and prosperity. We venture to believe that the same neighbourly feeling actuates the Australians. Thus cordially supported the Federal Government should be able to work harmoniously with our own in bringing nbont those closer trade relations which all loyal cololists agree will benefit direotly and indirectly the British of the Pacific.