JAPAN ENTERTAINS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 429, 10 August 1928, Page 16

JAPAN ENTERTAINS

TRADE TREATY WITH NEW ZEALAND A FELICITOUS OCCASION Press Associatioti. WELLINGTON, To-day. To commemorate the taking effect of the trade treaty between Japan and New Zealand the Japanese Consul-General, Mr. I. M. Tokugawa, gave a luncheon to-day to the leading representatives of the Legislature and the commercial community. Mr. Tokugawa said that he was very glad that the agreement had been concluded, not only because it would encourage trade between Japan and New Zealand but would be a contribution to the more general good relationship between the two countries. No doubt the co-operation of the two countries was necessary. He expressed appreciation of the Dominion's treatment toward the Japanese training squadron. The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, also expressed pleasure at the conclusion of the treaty of trade, and made it clear that before the negotiations were entered into the concurrence of the British Foreign Office was obtained to complete the agreement along the lines followed. The object of the agreement was the facilitation of trade and commerce between the two countries. The trade between Japan and New Zealand, already considerable. was increasing. Mr. Coates stressed the need for co-operation in the Pacific. The Dominion would always remember Japan’s assistance in the hour of need.

Mr. Coates read the following cablegram received from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan: “Trusting that the commerce and intercourse between us all will be stimulated by the commercial arrangement now arrived at, I heartily felicitate and send my best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of New Zealand.**