TRADE RELATIONS

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 74, 21 March 1933, Page 3

TRADE RELATIONS

Australia and New Zealand CONFERENCE OPENS TO-DAY MOST IMPORTANT OF ITS KIND (Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, Last Night. The conference between Senator Massy Greene, assistant Federal Treasurer, and representatives of the New Zealand Government concerning the trade relations of the two Dominions will open at Parliament House to-morrow. It is expected that the discussions will last a fortnight, the whole question of trade relations being dealt with. The Australian delegation has booked by a steamer returning to Sydney on April 4. Recognised official circles represent the conference as the most important of its kind held between the two Dominions. Over ten years ago the present, trade treaty- bctw'cen Australia and New Zealand was ratified in 1922, when Mr Downic Stewart was Minister of Customs, and it is admitted by the Government that it has become entirely unworkable under present-day conditions. The first suggestion that the treaty should be thoroughly overhauled was made at the Imperial Conference in London in 1930, when Mr .T. 11. Sctillin was Premier of Australia. Evon at that time it was felt that the changed conditions called fbr a revision of trade relations, and although some discussions on the subject were hold nothing definite came of them. The question was revived at Ottawa, and matters camo to a head when New Zealand imposed on embargo against the importation of Australian fruit and vegetables toward the end of last year. It is expected that the two Governments concerned will ultimately bo asked to ratify proposals which will recast the present treaty very considerably. On arriving, Mr Massy Greene paid an official call on Mr Forbes at Parliament House. Tn the afternoon Mr Greene and his staff were entertained at tea by the New Zealand Ministry, the heads of the State departments who will bo attending the discussions also being present. They included: Dr. Craig. Comptroller of Customs: Dr. Reakcs, Director-General of Agriculture; Mr A. H. Cockayne. Assistant-Director-General ;an'd Mr G. W. Clinkard, Secretary of the Industries and Commerce Department.

The Now Zealand trade commissioner in Australia (Mr L. .T. Schmitt) arrivcd with the visiting delegation, having been recalled by the Government, which will seek his advice on various trade questions. He will attend the negotiations with other departmental heads.

It is considered by the Government that the present negotiations are opportune in view of the promised revision of the Dominion’s tariff schedule. A complete inquiry into New Zealand’s tariffs is to be made in the near future.