GENERAL CABLEGRAMS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2375, 3 February 1915, Page 6

GENERAL CABLEGRAMS

Bt Telegraph—Frees Association—Oipyrisht

FEDERAL PREMIER'S VISIT

IMPRESSIONS OF NEW ZEALAND.

(R-ec. February 2, 9.5 p.m.)

Sydno'y, February 2. Mr. Fisher (the Federal Prime Minister) has arrived. He expressed his thanks to the people of New Zealand for the extreme kindness and _ cordiality with which he had been reoeived. Such gonerosity soon convinced him that ■whatever differences of opinion might exist in sections between New Zealanders and Australians, there was no evidence of' dislike to Australians. New Zealand's public men were too generous in expressing thoir thanks for the services of the Australian Fleet in the Pacific. The cordiality of his reception had exceeded his expectations, and he felt convinced that they were near to somo understanding in regard to defence, reciprocal trade, and other matters of mutual interest. Owing to the political situation of New Zealand he was unable to speak definitely on defeno n questions. AU'parties were interested in, the question ot reciprocity, which, in' some directions, was assured. He found unanimity upon the interchange of visits of public men, which had been, arranged. • Questioned regarding the prospect of an Australasian Federation, he said' that it was not an essential condition to such matters as defence, trade, and legislative agreements, as these could be dealt with at presont. It was for New Zealanders to say how far they wished to go, short of federation. There was abundant room for reciprocal action, and he was more than ever convinced that the two countries must hang together or fall together, notwithstanding the "twelve hundred reasons" for separation. He found New Zealanders openminded, declaring that they would welcome closer relationship. In regard to Imperial and inter-Do-minion Conferences, he found that his views coincided with those of the Massey Government. He urged that if it were impossible to hold an Imperial Conference this year, the opportunity should be embraced for an Australasian Conference to deal with important matters, arising out of the war, and the future closer relationship of the two countries.

AUSTRALIANS IN EGYPT

A NEW ZEALAND OFFICER'S IMPRESSION. (Rec. February 2, 7.20 p.m.) Melbourne, February 2. Major M'Clymont, who Trent as second in command of the Otago . Infantry Battalion with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, has returned bj the steamer Egypt. He said he had read the accounts of the alleged bad behaviour of the Australians in Egypt, and could only say that he saw nothing to justify the reports. Considering, {hat tbey were untrained men, their behaviour was excellent. In a large force people must expect that a few of the men would kick over the traces.

NEWSPAPERS A NECESSARY COMMODITY

AN 'AUSTRALIAN RULING. (Rcc. February 2, 9.5 p.m.) Sydney, February 2. • The Commodities Commission is investigating the Newsvendors' 6trike, the chairman having ruled that the Com- v mission has power to deal with any article, provided that the Government is satisfied that that article is a necessary commodity. •

BRITISH CABINET MINISTER RESIGNS

RIGHT HON. C. F. MASTERMAN. ; (Rec. February 2, 10.40 p.m.) London, February 2. Mr. C. F. M.isterman has resigned the Chancellorship of the Duchy of Lancaster. [Mr. Masterman was previously appointed Financial Secretary . to the Treasury, but on going to his constituents of South Bethnal Green for_ reelection —in accordance with the British custom which compels a member on being appointed to Cabinet rank to re-' sign" and offer himself for re-election-was defeated. He was appointed to the Chancellorship of the Duchy of Lancaster (a Cabinet appointment in the gift of the Government) last* February. He sought election at the Ipswich by-elec-tion in the Hay following, but was defeated.]

LATE SHIPPING

(Rec. February 3, 0.5 a.m.) Newcastle, February 2. Sailed.—Rona, for Auckland. . Melbourne, February 2. Arrived.—Ardgarry, from New Tort'. Frsmantle, February 2. Arrived. —Nat'aerpark, from New York.