TRADE TALK

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 106, 7 May 1934, Page 10

TRADE TALK

EXPORTS PROBLEM

INTERCHANGE OF VIEWS

AUSTRALIA AND N.Z,

(By Telegraph—l'r'ess Association.)

AUCKLAND, May G,

An important conference took place yesterday between Mr. S. M. Bruce, the Australian High Commissioner, and the Prime Minister (the, Et. Hon. G. W. Forbes), the Minister of Finance (the 'fit. Hon. J. G. Coates), and the Minister of Industries and Commerce (the Hon. E. Masters). Mr. Bruce was passing through Auckland en route from Sydney to London, and from the time he left the Monterey after breakCast until. he rejoined the steamer in ;ho afternoon he was engaged with the New Zealand Ministers in private conference. .

Subsequently the following joint statement was issued by Messrs. Forbes and Goates:—

"Advantage was taken of the opportunity presented by the visit of the High Commissioner of Australia (Mr. S. M. Bruce) for Now Zealand Ministers to meet him in an informal discussion of problems of common interest to the Commonwealth and the Dominion of Now Zealand.

"Mr. Bruce gave the New Zealand Ministers a first-hand account of recent developments and the outlook as viewed by him in world economic conditions and in the position of the United Kingdom. His summary was of very .great interest and value to the New Zealand Ministers. It bore out and amplified the conclusions they themselves had formed as. a result of personal discussions and contacts with the British Government and the trend of more recent events: The onrush on to tho markets of ;the United Kingdom of the world's surplus products had led her to adopt new and; experimental courses which were of direct concern to and called for some co-operation by Empire suppling countries. ' • •■•■•.

"Mr. ■ Bruce ' also* discussed trends in Australia in regard to beef, mutton, and lamb, dairy produce, wool research* and publicity, and fruit, and while not, of course, able to give any precise forecast of future developments there, whether in the'matter of regulation of marketing or otherwise, he was helpful to the New Zealand Ministers in better appreciating the viewpoint of Australia. He mado it clear that steps had been takon.as the outcome of his visit to Australia to set up committees representative of producers .in the various States.-

"It was agreed by all the Ministers that any policy that looked to an improvement of market conditions must be based on full co-operation between overseas producers and. farmers in the United Kingdom. The removing of any misunderstanding of their common interests was regarded as the most important part of the task ahead.

"Tho various points that were the subject of discussion'in the brief time available at Auckland arc to be followed up by and through tho High Commissioners in London. They' will jointly place the facts, before the. British Government' and will carry on the discussion there while keeping in constant touch with, their Governments at this end of the world."

The. discussions between the New Zealand Ministers and Mr. Bruce were conducted in a private sitting-room at the Grand Hotel. Thq conference opened about 10 o'clock, and with a break for lunchoon lasted until nearly 3.30 p.m.

INFORMAL DISCUSSION.

The informal nature of' the conference was subsequently indicated by Mr. Forbes, who said that no notes of the discussion wcro taken. . It was merely an interchange of views and tho utmost harmony prevailed throughout. .'■".'' '

Mr. Bruce said he had enjoyed meeting the New Zealand Ministers, and thought", the discussions \ should provo profitable to both countries. '

Another statement by Mr. Forbes was to the effect that Mr. Bruce was not returning to London with any authority, to speak or act for New Zealand should negotiations bo commenced with tho British Government.

After the morning discussions the Ministers adjourned for lunch at the Northern Club, where several leading citizens, including the Mayor (Mr. G-. W. Hutchison) were also present. The conference was resumed shortly after 2 o'clock, and adjourned finally in time for Mr. Bruce to rejoin tho Monterey, on which he is travelling to America en route to England, where ho will resume his duties as High Commissioner for Australia.

The vessel, sailed at about 4 o'clock, having been delayed for three hours for the conference. '

Mrs.- Bruce, who was accompanying her husband, was entertained during the day by Mrs. Forbes. There was a small luncheon party at the Grand Hotel, and Mrs. Bruce was taken for a motor drive.