MR NASH’S MISSION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 May 1939, Page 5

MR NASH’S MISSION

WELCOME ON ARRIVAL IN BRITAIN QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. ‘ *■ FINANCIAL AND DEFENCE AFFAIRS. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. LONDON, May 29. The New Zealand Minister of Finance, Mr Nash, who arrived at Southampton, announced his intention of conferring with the Government regarding defence of the Pacific area, means of increasing trade between Britain and New Zealand, and the redemption of the £17,000,000 loan which will mature next December. The New Zealand High Commissioner, Mr Jordan, Admiral Bromley, and Lord Baffour of Burleigh, welcomed Mr Nash.

MINISTER INTERVIEWED .HOPES OF CONVINCING CITY. STRICTURES ON NEW ZEALAND NOT WARRANTED. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. (Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, May 30. Mr. W. Nash will seeiSir Thomas Inskip (Secretary for the Dominions) on Friday and will discuss the loan position with the New Zealand financial advisers in London. He told Press representatives that New Zealand would never default. Even though stocks remain on the present basis—at a price on which politics has some bearing—the Government would still meet the market. However, he hoped to convince the City that strictures on New Zealand were not justified. Whatever the Government had done internally .did not concern the city as long as it did not affect her willingness or capacity to meet interest charges. Mr. Nash added that he was prepared to offer the British Government an agreement, under which, after meeting debt and other charges, New Zealand would spend the maximum of balances available in Britain, which country would get proportionately more of New Zealand’s overseas trade than heretofore. Referring to the alleged grievances of British manufacturers, Mr. ( Nash said the New Zealand Government desires to see British firms given preTerence, even over Australian, to establish industries in New Zealand. He was already in touch with representatives of one large industry which wished to come to New Zealand, despite the fact that American and Australian concerns had already rushed in applications for permission.