"J. BULL & CO."

Taranaki Daily News, 13 May 1920, Page 5

"J. BULL & CO."

URGENT EMPIRE PROBLEMS, MISSION FROM AUSTRALIA, ■By Telegraph.—Preu Asan.—Copyright, Received May 12,5.5 p.m. London, May 11. Mr. W. A. Watt (Treasurer of the Australian Federal Government, who has gone to Britain on a special mission), outlining to British journalists the objects of his mission, said that amongst other things the people of Australia entertained strong bpinions on the payment of reparation by Germany. Whether British opinion on the subject had become more indulgent in. the past twelve months or not, he was unable to judge, but Australia's conviction had not altered, and she looked to the resolute observance of the Treaty. The Australian public did not want German goods, and he would be very surprised if .Australia's portals were opened toi German trade in the present generation. He had not come with cofnplainta, but simply to have a talk on family business.

He 1 had propounded a scheme for dealing with Empire debts, but so far had not received a reciprocal reply. "John Bull and Company" had not held enough meetings of its board of directors. You could not run a, firm so huge altogether by correspondence and cablegrams. The junior partners may not hold identical opinions with th#senior partner, but consideration of the different points of view would avert misunderstandings, and conduce to unity and harmony. Australia was keen on her job, and the principal job was to preserve the great southern outpost for British people. Australians had a religious pride of blood and faith in the Empire partnership, and they had emerged from the grim struggle more resolutely British than before.—Aus.NZ. Cable Assn.

AUSTRALIA EXPECTS INDEMNITY. BRITISH PAPER DOUBTFUL. Received May 13, 12.45 a.m. London, May 12. The Financial News says Mr. Watt will cause a flutter in tbe official dovecot. Australia expects to get a good lump of the German indemnity in May, 1921, and, moreover, Australia is determined not to do business with Germany.

"That is the kind of talk needful when German officials are frittering away millions of money rather than meet their liabilities to the Allies," adds the paper. "We fear, however, it will not secure an indemnity."—Aus.-NJJ. Cable Assn.