THE AUSTRALIAN PRODUCE TRADE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9642, 14 January 1899, Page 2

THE AUSTRALIAN PRODUCE TRADE.

Conference of Ministers of Agriculture

(Received January 14, at 10 a.m.)

Melbourne, January 14.

The conference of Ministers of Agriculture decided that Mr Geddis' schomo for the distribution of Australian produce in England was not acceptable, but that steps should immediately bo taken to secure better methods of handling, storing, and distributing Australian products in Europe. With this object a representative should be despatched to England to make inquiries. It was also decided that tho present time was opportune for making any joint arrangement as to the reduction of ocean freights, but that Mr Taverner, when making arrangements with new Victorian contracts should keep in view the possibility, if the arrangemont was bonofioial to tho other colonies ; that the proposals submitted for tho opening of direct trade between Australia and Manchester were not . acceptable, as it would mean the Governments interested would have to pay the whole co3t of developing new trade ; that the officer to be appointed in connection with the food distribution scheme shall be deputed to inquire into the matter. Resolutions were carried in favour of developing trade with South Africa, uniform quarantine regulations, and reduction of freights on imported stud stock. The conference approved of the New South Wales Draft Brands Bill, and recommended its adoption as far as possible in the other colonies. The conference has closed.