TRANSTASMAN TRADE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 306, 27 December 1937, Page 6

TRANSTASMAN TRADE

AUSTRALIA AND DOMINION NEGOTIATIONS CONCLUDED AGREEMENT ON MOST POINTS. RATIFICATION AWAITED. [ Per Press Association. ) WELLINGTON, Dec. 24. After discussions that have spread over nearly two weeks finality in the trade negotiations between the Government and the Australian Trade delegation, headed by LieutenantColonel the Hon. T. W. White, was reached to-day. Agreement was reached on practically all the points set down for consideration, and at the conclusion of formalities this morning the Minister of Customs (Hon. W. Nash) stated in an interview that, after submission of the various recommendations to the respective Governments, it was hoped that the way would be paved to an extended trade and improved relations between the two countries.

“If the spirit shown during the negotiations is carried into actual relations between the trading organisations, I am satisfied that, nothing but good will result,” said Mr. Nash.

The Minister said that in addition to the trade discussions, negotiations had also covered the questions of new liners for the Pacific, inauguration of the transtasman airways service, proposals in connection with the reservation of transtasman shipping to British ships and other minor questions that required action by the two Governments. Mr. Nash paid a glowing tribute to Lieutenant-Col. White and members of his staff, Messrs E. McCarthy and J. Fletcher. "While there have been different views expressed on several problems,” said Mr. Nash, “the discussion necessary for their solution could not have been carried out in a better spirit. I am hoping that subsequent procedure will result in a complete ratification by the Governments concerned, and if this result is reached then I am satisfied that all those concerned in the Dominion will have just cause to be pleased.” Mr. Nash said that his work had been made more easy by the consistent help of his colleagues, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan (Minister of Industries and Commerce) and the Hon. Mark Fagan (acting-Ministcr of Customs), but he added that the negotiations could not have been carried out without the splendid staff work of Mr.. E. D. Good, Controller of Customs, and Mr. J. P. D. Johnson, of the Customs Department, and Messrs. L. J. Schmitt, F. Johnson, E. Wise and R. Jackson, of the Department of Industries and Commerce.