TRADE COMMISSIONER

Hokitika Guardian, 31 May 1930, Page 5

TRADE COMMISSIONER

(Australian Press Association)

SYDNEY, .May 30.

“We regal'd it as being a compliment to Australia that our sister Dominion should appoint as tlio Trade Commissioner in the Commonwealth one wlio. is an Australian horn,” said Hie Prime Minister, Hon. J. IT. Scullin, in proposing the health of .Mr L. ,1. Schmitt, who was recently appointed to the Trade Commissioner’s Office by the New Zealand Government, who was given a luncheon by the Federa’ Ca''inet to-day.

Mr Scullin added that he was eondent that Hy Schmitt would assist in cementing the friendly relations now existing between the two countries. He asked their guest to convey to New Zealand a message from Australia to the effect that the Commonwealth desired to work in the greatest harmony with the Dominion, and that she hoped that the trade between the two countries would be developed to their mutual advantage The extension of the tourist traffic from Australia, added the Prime Minister, should prove a profitable asset to New Zealand, and it would be valuable for Australia’s publicity purposes.

Mi" Schmitt, in thanking the Federal Cabinet Ministers for their welcome, said that he brought a, message of goodwill from the pepole of the Dominion, who hoped that Australia- soon would experience a return to the Tallest prosperity, New Zealanders, he said, considered that this land, with its vast resources, should soon find the solution for its economic problems. Mr Schmitt also conveyed to Australia greetings from the Maori people, and lie presented the Prime Minister with a book of New Zealand views.

Mr Schmitt then prevailed upon Prime Minister Scullin and bis wife to be the first tourists to be secured by him for the Dominion.

Mr and Airs Scull in promised to spend some time in New Zealand ir January, when they are homeward bound from the Imperial Conference.