U.S. Travel Grants For Two M.P.s

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30958, 14 January 1966, Page 10

U.S. Travel Grants For Two M.P.s

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Jan. 13. United States Department of State grants have been awarded to Mr M. Rata, Labour M.P. for Northern Maori, and Mr D. S. Thomson, National M.P. for Stratford. The grants are for travel and observation in America in fields of the visitors’ own selection. Both will leave for the United States on February 8. Mr Thomson, who will spend 60 days in the United States, will study defence organisation and training methods, with particular reference to the requirements of A.N.Z.U.S. and 5.E.A.T.0., and inspect defence equipment of possible interest to New Zealand. In Washington, D.C., he will visit the American Congress and study its legislative procedures. He will also study fishery patrol organisation,

methods and equipment in several areas. Secondary interests of Mr Thomson are water-use practices in California and stock-raising on the zero-grazing method.

Previous commitments will restrict Mr Rata’s stay to 45 days. He will meet Federal and State legislators and observe operations of Congressional committees on such matters as foreign affairs and domestic affairs if they are in session during his visit.

He also plans to visit welfare organisations dealing with the American Indian and to meet Negro leaders to study the. work of civil rights organisations. Visits to Cape Kennedy and other space and defence projects will be included in his programme.

On the' way home to New Zealand Mr Rata will spend several days in Hawaii visiting Polynesian villages and cultural centres.