DUTY OF MINISTERS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1740, 3 May 1913, Page 5

DUTY OF MINISTERS.

TO KNOW THE EMPIRE. HON. F. M. B. FISHER IN MELBOURNE. By Telegraph'—Prcßß Asaooiatlon--CoDyrlih4 Melbourne, May 2. The Hon. F. M. B. Fisher, Now Zealand's Minister for Customs, entertained ''Lord.Domunn (tlio Governor-General), the Hon. A. Fisher (Federal Prime Minister), and members of the Empire Trade Commission at luncheon. Lord Denman, responding to the toa6t of his health, suggested that the publication as an interim report of some of the evidence taken by tlio Trade Commission, instead of having'to wait for the final report, would be welcomed. Sir Edgar Vincent, Chairman of the Commission, pledged himself to see that tlio report was not delayed lotigfer than was avoidable. Tentative recommendations could bo made, but it was impossible for the Commission to come to a final docision till it had reacted the end of its tour. Mr. Fisher (New Zealand) said ho believed an amicable agreement could bo reached by New Zealand with Australia, which would strengthen tho feelings of friendship. Half-hour talks between Ministers could do more than commissions and conventions. Ministers 6hould circulate like coins, so as to know (ill parts oi the Empire. Mr. Fisher (Australia) advocated the appointment of routine commissions 1 to travel round tho Dominions and tho Mother Country. A much closer alliftnco between tho was needed. Mr. Foster (Canadian. Customs Minister) declared that Canada would welcome reciprocity.