PACIFIC ISLANDS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 242, 7 July 1921, Page 5

PACIFIC ISLANDS

VISITED BY MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TRADE RELATIONS OF NEW ZEALAND AND FIJI (By Wireless—Press Assn.—Copyright) Apia, July S. The Hon. E. P. Lee arrived here to-day on his first official visit to Samoa as Minister of External Affairs. On coming ashore from tho steamer Tofua tho Minister was met and welcomed by the Administrator. In an interview, Mr. Lee said, he and his party hod had a pleasant voyage, though the weather during some parts of tho trip had not been good. While at Suva he had taken the opportunity to confer with tho Acting-Governor of Fiji and the Mayor respecting administration matters in the Pacific Islands, and as Minister of Commerce discussed the trade relations between New Zealand and Fiji with prominent business men of Suva. It was proposed to appoint a Trade Commissioner for New Zealand and Fiji. At present Australia supplied Fiji with most of its European foodstuffs It was pointed out to the Minister that there were opportunities in EJi)! for Lew Zealand to open up trade, particularly for some of its secondary products sue 11 as machinery. At one time the bulk the cement used in Fiji came from New Zealand. Traders were unaware that the restrictions on the export of Lew Zealand cement had been removed. They spoke well of tho New Zealand article, and were prepared to renew dealing th lt el Nukualofa, the Tongan seat of Government, tho Ministerial party was welcomed by Prince Tugi, who is at present Acting-Premier, and who placed a motor-rar at Mr. Lee’s disposal to visit the Government experimental plantation and other spots of interest. The party was entertained at afternoon tea in the Queen’s palace, and in the evening Queen Salote Tubou gave a dinner to Mr. Leo party, at which the Tongan Ministers and prominent officials were present. Two toasts were honoured, those of Kin George and the Tongan Queen the British and Tongan National Anthems being played by a brass band m the palace E 7fT d Lee said he preferred to ray nothing nt present about his mission to Samoa, beyond that it was his intention to on thoroughly into matters affecting the°Administration and its work.