MR. BRUCE'S VISIT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 106, 7 May 1934, Page 9

MR. BRUCE'S VISIT.

VIEWS EXCHANGED. LEADERS ISSUE STATEMENT. PARTIES SATISFIED. Although no positive results were indicated, the joint statement issued by the leaders "of the Coalition on the outcome of Saturday's informal consultations with the Rt. Hon. S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner for Australia, expresses satisfaction with the interchange I of views. j The conference lasted from 9.45 a.m. to 3.45 p.m. Independent inquiries indicate that the friendliest atmosphere pervaded the conference, and that if there existed any undercurrent of dou')t at the 1 outset it never reached the surface. Both sides were prepared to adinicand recognise the existence of a growing realisation among producers that facts must be faced in relation to the export market in Great -Britain. Mr. Bruce is understood to have made clear his attitude toward the quantitative regulation of butter exports, and, in his remarks, not to have overlooked the somewhat different position New Zen land occupies I from Australia in that respect. However, as far as could be ascertained, the definition of attitude and exchange of views did not exceed the discussion stage; and it is reliably stated that no form of concerted or co-ordinated action between Australia and New Zealand was decided upon. This was confirmed by the Prime Minister, who, in answer to a question after the conference, made it clear that Mr. Bruce was not returning to London invested with any authority to act on New Zealand's behalf in negotiations, should any be originated. There was no anticipation among the delegates, that an Imperial conference would be held next year to discuss export and marketing issues. It was felt that such a gathering was not necessary, as the High Commissioners could act in any negotiations. Informal Discussion. Interviewed after the deliberations conchided, Mr. Forbes emphasised that the confidential nature of the discussions precluded off-hand comment being made. It should be understood, he explained, that the conference was an informal one, and it had provided a welcome opportunity for a representative of the Commonwealth and representatives of the Dominion to chat over problems of mutual interest affecting the overseas export outlook. There was nothing unusual in such a course. The butter position had not monopolised attention, because the discussion had been general and other problems had come under review. The exchange of views had beeil valuable, and the result of the interviewwas regarded as being satisfactory. In reply to a question, Mr. Forbes said Mr. Bruce was gratified to learn of New Zealand's participation in the Empire wo'ol research and publicity scheme, and had intimated that the Commonweal , :!! would also co-operate on the lines previously set out. When Mr. Bruce reached London he would be in a position to reconvene the committee of Imperial and Dominion representatives which was dealing with the subject. Mr. Bruce, who sailed by the Monterey shortly after 4 p.m.. also expressed satisfaction with the consultation. He emphasised, in an informal interview with Pres; representatives, that the only pubttc statement which must' be attributed co him was that the object of the conference was to enable countries with common interests to discuss the export situation and other problems. State of Markets. On Saturday night the leaders of thn Coalition issued a joint statement, fchu text of which is as follows: — "Advantage was taken of the opportunity presented by the visit of Mr. Bruce" for New Zealand Ministers to meet him in informal discussion of problems of common interest to the Commonwealth and the Dominion. Mr. Bruce gave the New Zealand Ministers a first-hand account of recent developments and the outlook as viewed by him in world economic conditions, and \ in the position of the United Kingdom.; His summary was of very great interest and value to the New Zealand Ministers; it bore out and amplified t'io conclusions that they themselves had formed as a result of personal discussions and contacts with the British Government and the trend of more recent events. The onrush on to the markets of the United Kingdom of the world's surplus products had led her to adopt new and experimental courses which were of direct concern to and called for some co-operation by Empire supplying countries. Australian Viewpoint. "Mr. Bruce also discussed the trends in Australia in regard to beef, mutton and lamb, dairy produce, wool research and publicity and fruit, and, while not, of course, able to give any precise forecast of the future developments there, whether in the matter of regulation of marketing or otherwise, he was helpful to the New Zealand Ministers in better appreciating the viewpoint of Australia. He mp.de it clear that steps had been taken, as an outcome of his visit to Australia, to set up committees representative of producers in .the various States.' It was agreed by all Ministers that any policy that looked to the improvement of market conditions must be based on full co-operation between the overseas producers and the fanners in the United Kingdom. The removing of*an,v misunderstanding of their common interests was regarded as a most important part of the task ahead. "The various points that were the subject of discussion in the brief time available in Auckland are to be followed lip by and through the High Commissioners in London. They will jointly place the facts before the British Government and will carry on discussions there while keeping in constant touch with their Governments at this end of the world." ■ •