TALKS ON WAR PROBLEMS

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23263, 25 February 1941, Page 10

TALKS ON WAR PROBLEMS

Minister From Australia . DESIRE FOR A COMMON POLICY (FBKSB ISPOCIITIO* TBLSGJUM.) WELLINGTON. February 24. .The Australian Assistant-Minister for Commerce and Assistant-Treasurer, the Hon. H. L. Anthony, who is spending a fortnight in New Zealand representing the Australian Government, m a discussion of common war-time problems between the Commonwealth and the Dominion, arrived in Wellington to-day. He was accompanied by Mr J. V. Maroney, the senior inquiry officer for the Commonwealth Department of Commerce; Mr D. L. Canavan. of the Commonwealth Treasury: and Mr A. C. W. Fisken. chairman of the Australian Meat Producers' Board, and the Minister for Marketing, the Hon. J. G. Barclay, who met the party on arrival at Auckland. Mr Anthony stated that he proposed to discuss with the Ministry here a number of important questions affecting the commerce and finance of the two countries, particularly in relation to the export of produce. The moat position, including storage, and the marketing of dairy produce and fruit would be investigated. Shipping Problems As shipping problems had been accentuated in recent months, the need for a common policy between the two countries had become progressively greater, and the establishment of a long-term policy, advancing the interests of both Australia and the Dominion. was desirable, Mr Anthony said this would be the principal task he would face while discussing these questions with the New Zealand Government. Mr Anthony also intends to examine New ' Zealand’s scheme for marketing pears and apples, as he administers a similar scheme in Australia. Another subject to be discussed is the supply of coal to New Zealand from Australia. Apart from questions of trade and commerce, Mr Anthony will meet the Minister for Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, and discuss with him several aspects of finance as they affect the interests of Australia and New Zealand.