TRADE AND DUTIES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19858, 4 June 1927, Page 7

TRADE AND DUTIES

SISTER DOMINIONS Australian and New Zealand Relationships MB McLEOD INTERVIEWED I [By Telegraph—Per Press Assn.—Copyright.] Received June 3, 11.30 p.m. I (A. & N.Z.) SYDNEY, June 3. The Hon. A. D. McLeod (N.Z. Minister of Lands) in an interview prior to his departure by the liner Marama to-day for New Zealand stated that he and his officers had had a very busy an interesting visit to the Commonwealth. “Unfortunately it has not been possible for me to extend* the visit beyond Victoria and New South Wales,” he said, “but I am pleased to say that as a result of the facilities afforded me I was privileged to obtain most valuable information relative to the progress made and methods adopted by manufacturers in those States. I was particularly impressed with the fact that in practically all the larger factories the bonus system of payment is in operation, and every effort is being made to extend that principle. Australian manufacturers have developed production to such an extent that in some instances outside markets are being sought for a number of lines. Several companies suggested that they were desirous of increasing trade with New Zealand, which on account of its proximity to Australia offers one of the best’markets for their products. “In this connection the manufacturers expressed the opinion that New Zealand might favourably consider the extension of the full benefit of the British preferential tariff to Australia. New Zealand could no doubt take some surplus production, but unless Australia is prepared to take in payment some of the Dominion’s exports, in the shape of primary products, I think New Zealand will have to adhere to the policy of giving the maximum preference to Britain, which at present •purchases practically the whole of our exportable production. “Knowing as I do the extreme difficulties experienced under the present economic conditions by primary producers in countries where secondary industries are highly protected}, I personally cannot object to the Australian farmer pressing for the higher duties suggested on outside products, which are in competition with his own, but the duties suggested, in respect to New Zealand butter, bacon and hams for isntance, amount to an absolute embargo "and if they were termed as such, the position would be more readily understood by all concerned. However, each of our countries has its own particular difficulties in this respect, and as the most friendly relationship exists between them, I am hopeful that when it is possible for the Commonwealth Minister of Customs to visit New Zealand, a satisfactory adjustment will be made.”