CO-OPERATION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19841, 16 May 1927, Page 7

CO-OPERATION

MATTER OF TRADE Reciprocity Between New Zealand and Australia AN EXPANSION OF BUSINESS. [By Telegraph—Per Press Assn.—Copyright.] (A. & N.Z.) MELBOURNE, May 14. The Hon. A. D. McLeod (New Zealand Minister of Lands) was entertained at a luncheon of leading businessmen, Mr Ivor Evans presiding. Sir Francis Bell was present. The chairman, in proposing Mr McLeod’s health, stated that there were great opportunities for trade between Australia and New Zealand. It was regrettable that friction was sometimes- caused regarding tariff matters. For instance, the dried fruit trade would be doubled if preference were given to Australian fruit. He expressed the opinion that trade difficulties should be settled by friendly arrangements, and suggested that New Zealand should not send butter to Australia when it was not needed, and Australia should refrain from sending flour to New Zealand at certain times. He strongly urged Australia to appoint a Trade Commissioner in New Zealand. Difficulties. In the course of his reply, Mr McLeod said that he freely realised the difficulty of the Governments concerned in making trade arrangements that would give general satisfaction, and that sections of the business community were liable to regard the matter as it affected their own business. Good results had followed the visit of the Hon. Downic Stewart in the matter of reciprocal tariff and he believed that further benefits would accrue in both countries if a visit to New Zealand of the Commonwealth Minister of Trade and Customs could be arranged. His Government had recently been considering the question of encouraging a regular and more frequent steamer service between Melbourne and Bluff, but only an expansion of trade could bring it about. The Balance of Trade. Since 1911 Australia had sold to New Zealand goods valued at £64,000,000, while New Zealand had sent in return only £37,000,000. In 1911 New Zealand exports to Australia represented 11.3 of the total export trade, but the percentage had now diminished to 4.5. On the other hand, Australia’s share of the New Zealand imports trade remained constant at 11 per cent, and until trade was more evenly balanced the unsatisfactory position was likely to continue. ' In recent years New Zealand had lost considerable trade in oats, hops and rimu timber. He wished to learn the reason. He had been informed that the Dominion’s failure to make headway in timber exportation was due to the unreliability in the standard of quality and measurements. If this was the case, he felt sure the mills would do their best to remedy the defects. From the national point of view the aims of both countries vvere similar. Therefore, every opportunity for friendly co-operation in trade and tourist traffic should be taken, also in commercial and industrial problems.