MUTUAL INTERESTS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 85, 4 January 1935, Page 8

MUTUAL INTERESTS

Australia-New Zealand Trade Relations

NEED FOR FRIENDLINESS

Dominion Special Service.

Auckland, January 3.

The need for more amicable trade relations between Australia and New Zealand was stressed by LieutenantColonel M. F. Bruxner, Deputy-Pre-mier of New South Wales, jvho arrived at Auckland from the south at the conclusion of a holiday tour of the Dominion. ■ Colonel Bruxner, who has been delighted with his first visit to New Zealand, is leaving by the Wanganella on his return to Sydney.

Agke<l to comment on the trade relationships between the two countries in the light of the breakdown in the recent trade, negotiations between New Zealand and Australian Ministers. Colonel Bruxner said such matters came under the control of the Federal Government and were not the direct concern of State Parliaments. However, one impression of his visit was that there should be most friendly relations between the Dominion and the Commonwealth without any need for formalities. Both countries had mutual interests: both were battling against very similar problems.

Kindly Feelings.

“I can assure you that Australians entertain most kindly feelings toward New Zealand,” Colonel Bruxner said. “My own home is about 500 miles from Sydney, but as a matter of fact I am actually- nearer home in Auckland than I would be in Perth or Northern Queensland. Our very nearness should persuade us that wo must progress in many respects toward a common destiny.” Colonel Bruxner said he had not gone as far south as Dunedin, but he had- been very favourably impressed by Christchurch. Auckland, appealed to him as the most progressive city. He had been struck by the fine civic spirit of many of the provincial centres. ’ Fertile Country. "The whole of your country presents the appearance of -being amazingly fertile,” Colonel Bruxner continued. “I have been inmxg-saed throughout my tour by the healthy condition of your sheep and cattle. In Australia we graze mo_re on natural grasses than you do, and hardly need to farm so intensively. However, top-dressing and other developments .are being forced ,on us, with prospects of enormously increased production in consequence. Our dairy-farmers, like yours, are apprehensive concerning the outlook for the British market.” Colonel Bruxner was favourably impressed by both' roads and railways in New Zealand. He also praised the work of the officials of the Government Tourist Department, and the service and comforts of tlie hotels. "Then there is the hospitality of your people,” he added. “It is marvellous. New Zealanders certainly know how to make an Australian feel at home. The spirit of your people, matches the beauty of your country.”