NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22005, 1 February 1937, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA

CLOSER CO-OPERATION ADVOCATED VISIT OF COMMONWEALTH | LEGISLATOR "My mission, as I conceive it, is to endeavour to bring about a closer liaison between the Dominion and Australia," said Senator A. J. McLachlan, Postmaster-General and Minister in Charge of Development in the Federal Government of Australia, who is visiting Christchurch. Senator McLachlan. when a member of the BrucePage Government, signed the Kellogg Pact on behalf of Australia. Senator McLachlan attended the Science Congress in Auckland, where he had an opportunity of discussing many important problems with representatives of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. His portfolio of Development in the Australian Government covers the activities of the Australian Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. "Our situation in the Pacific demands the closest relationship, economically, and in every other respect," said Senator McLachlan yesterday. "Many things can be produced more economically in New Zealand than in Australia and vice versa. It should be the business of those entrusted with the future of the two countries to get together before mistakes are made in the expansion policies of both. "It would be premature to mention specifically and without full investigation what these particular things are; but I might cite the case of the flax industry. Flax Industry "Phormium Tenax seems to be almost a natural growth in certain localities in New Zealand, and is being processed here. I have been urged to encourage the production of flax in Australia with a view to replacing certain imported goods. New Zealand may be able to produce the fibre which we require. "There are certain alloys, too, which I understand might be advantageously produced here as an adjunct to our steel industry in Australia. Stud Cattle "I have also reflected on your capacity to produce what we require in the way of stud beef cattle, and it appears to me that the infusion 01 stock from a colder climate, which we need in Australia, might well be furnished from New Zealand. "These are only examples taken at random of the type of enquiry that should be made, and as Australia is embarking on further activities in the development of her secondary industries, the enquiry should not be long delayed. It is a matter that seems to me to transcend in importance all political considerations." • Co-operation in Defence Speaking of co-operation in defence, Senator McLachlan said that there had formerly been considerable co-opera-tion, but it had largely ceased. Sir James Parr, on a visit to Melbourne, had a consultation with Sir George Pearce. and as a result there was now a certain amount of collaboration. The Military College had reopened at Duntroon. Supplies of ammunition wer.e now being drawn from Australia to the advantage of both countries. Senator McLachlan said he had had a conversation with the Hon. F. Jones, New Zealand Minister for Defence, and it was certain that more would be done. "I regard scientific research as of tremendous importance," said Senator McLachlan. "It is particularly valuable to 'young countries in process of development. I asked Sir George Julius, president of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research in Australia, to endeavour to bring about a closer liaison between his council and the corresponding body in New Zealand, and as a result a considerable amount has been achieved."