AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21363, 4 January 1935, Page 8

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

* — TRADE RELATIONS DISCUSSED STATE MINISTER'S VIEWS [THE PRESS Special Service] AUCKLAND, January 3. The need for more amicable traderelations between Australia and New Zealand was emphasised by Lieutenant-Colonel M. F. Bruxner, Deputy-Premier of New South Wales, who arrived at Auckland from the south at the conclusion of a holiday tour of tiie Dominion, Colonel Bruxner, who has been delighted with his first visit to New Zealand, will leave by the Wanganella on his return to Sydney. Asked to comment on the trade' relation between the two countries in the light of the breakdown in the | recent trade parleys between New ] Zealand and Australian Ministers, Colonel Bruxner said such matters came under the control of the Federal Government, and were not the direct concern of state parliaments. However, one impression of his . visit was that there should be most friendly relations between the Dominion and the Commonwealth, - without any need for formalities. Both countries had mutual interests, and both were battling against very similar problems. "I can assure you that Australians entertain a most kindly feeling toward New Zealand," Colonel Bruxner said. "My own home is about 500 miles from Sydne}', but as a matter of fact, I an actually nearer home in Auckland than I would be in Perth or Northern Queensland. Our very nearness should persuade us that we must progress in many respects toward a common destiny."

Fertile Country

Colonel Bruxner said he had not gone as far south as Dunedin, but he had been very favourably impressed by Christchurch. Auckland appealed to him as a most progressive city, beautifully situated, and he had been struck by the fine civic, spirit of many of the provincial centres. "The whole of your coun- ' try presents an appearance of being' amazingly fertile," Colonel Bruxner continued. "I have been impressed throughout my tour by the healthy ; condition of your sheep and cattle. In Australia we graze more on natural grasses than you do, and hardly need to farm so intensively. However, topdressing and other developments are being forced on us with the prospects of / enormously Increased production. In consequence, our dairy farmers, like yours, are apprehensive concerning the outlook for the British market." Colonel Bruxner was favourably . impressed by both the roads and railways in New Zealand. He alsopraised the work of the officials of the Government Tourist Department, and the service and comforts of. the hotels. "Then there is the hospitality of your people," he added.. "It is marvellous. New Zealanders certainly know how $5 make an Australian feel at home/ , The spirit of your people matches jj!\ the beauty of your country."