MISSION TO AUSTRALIA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 41, 17 January 1938, Page 6

MISSION TO AUSTRALIA.

MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS. WELLINGTON, Jan. 17. A number of questions of importance to New Zealand will claim the attention of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Pensions (Hon. A\ r . E. Parry) during his coming visit to Australia officially to represent the Government at the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Commonwealth. Mr Parry, accompanied by Mrs Parry and his private secretary, Mr E. N. G. Poulton, will leave Avellington tonight by the Limited express for Auckland, where to-morrow he will join the Awatea for Sydney. Of paramount interest will be the question of reciprocal pensions between the two countries, which the s'inister hopes to have an opportunity of discussing. Some time ago the. New Zealand legislature passed legislation providing for reciprocity in the payment of pensions, but similar action has not been taken by the Commonwealth. In an interview on Saturday, Mr Parry said that he was carrying with him to Australia papers dealing with a variety of subjects upon which discussion and investigation would be sought. He said he felt that he would be kept busy, and that the days of his visit would be crowded. “There has been of recent years a marked unanimity between New Zealand and Australia in the administration of many matters affecting the welfare and general interest of the two countries,” Mr Parry said. “There is now existing a better spirit of readiness to link up and work for the common good of both countries. “During the last 20 months or so. Cabinet representatives of most of the States of the Commonwealth have visited New Zealaqd. There have been some interesting problems dealt with in conference, and the way paved for a good understanding with the different Governments. We all know each other better, and on my visit I will look forward to some friendly and satisfactory discussions. _“I will naturally be pleased,” continued Mr Parry, “to revisit the land of my birth as the representative of the country of my adoption. I know I will quickly realise the vast development of Australia and I shall just as quickly tell the story of the phenomenal progress of New Zealand, achieved by dint of the grit, the foresight, and the hard work of its people.” The Minister added that, having in mind New Zealand’s centennial celebrations in less than two years’ time, it would lie interesting and informative to view the actual working of the elaborate arrangements made for Australia’s 150th anniversary.