TRANSFER OF MEN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 July 1940, Page 5

TRANSFER OF MEN

MUNITIONS PRODUCTION IN AUSTRALIA MR SULLIVAN’S REPORTED PROPOSAL. COMPLETE CO-ORDINATION DESIRED. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) SYDNEY, July 7. According to the “Sunday Sun” the New Zealand Minister of Supply, Mr Sullivan, has offered to discuss with the Commonwealth Director-General of Munitions, Mr Essington Lewis, a proposal whereby New Zealand would make available skilled men to assist Australia’s conversion into “an arsenal for the defence of the Dominion and the Commonwealth.” Mr Sullivan said New Zealand had available a large number of skilled men in the railway workshops. These men could be spared for such a task either in the United Kingdom or Australia. “As New Zealand is practically dependent upon Australia for munitions and other equipment and as there is every reason why there should be complete co-ordination of effort. I am confident Australia will not let us down,” he said. The Prime Minister, Mr Menzies, last night said he would discuss the proposal with Mr Lewis as soon as possible. , . . ~ Mr Sullivan, who is staying at the Hotel Australia, Sydney, says he is not able to fix a date for his return to New Zealand. He is continuing discussions with the Commonwealth. Goveminent and also intends to inspect the steelworks and subsidiary industries in Newcastle. . Mr Sullivan issued statements to the Sydney Press outlining the New Zealand Government’s plans for establishing 11 linen flax processing plants for the South Island, and also a statement on New Zealand’s reasons for import control.