MR FISHER'S MISSION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 10 May 1913, Page 4

MR FISHER'S MISSION.

If, as a result of his mission to Australia, the Hon. F. M. B. Fisher has succeeded in arranging a satisfactory basis for reciprocity between S'ew Zealand and the Commonwealth, he will have established his reputation as a r statesman, and have done a great deal to promote the material interests of the The details will not, of course, fie available until they have been discussed by Cabinet, and they will require subsequently to be .ratified by the Parliaments of each State. We can only hope that the arrangement made will be for the mutual benefit of both countries. We cannot say that we are impressed with Mr Fisher's reciprocal old age pension .scheme. If, as is stated in An Auckland interview, residence- in either country shall be deemed residence in th e country where the applicant lias resided for twelve Tiionths preceding the application, the arrangement will be all in favour of Australia. New Zealand is a much more attractive place than Australia for old people, and as the population of tke Camiaojmealtfc: is

about four times that of the Domin* ion, we may expect to seo our old age pension lint increase by leaps and bounds. The arrangement in this* matter is oi' a. tentative however, and when it comes before Parliament it will probably be modified to a consider able extent.