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Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 187, 7 May 1934, Page 8

EXPORT MARKETS

Australia-New Zealand Discussions COMMON PROBLEMS Ministers Meet Mr. Bruce at Auckland By Telegraph.—Press Association. f Auckland, May 6. An important conference took place yesterday between Mr. S. M. Bruce, Australian High Commissioner, and the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, the Minister of Finance. Rt. Hon. J. GCoates, and the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Hon. R. Masters. Mr. Bruce was passing through Auckland on route from Sydney to London, and from the time lie left the Monterey after breakfast ‘until he rejoined the steamer in the afternoon he was engaged with the New Zealand Ministers in private conference. Subsequently the following joint statement, was issued by Messrs. Forbes and Coates:— Advantage was taken of the opportunity presented by the visit of the High Commissioner of Australia. Mr. S. M. Bruce, for New Zealand Ministers to meet him in au informal discussion of problems of common interest to the Commonwealth and the Dominion of New Zealand. 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 ill the position of the United Kingdom. His summary was of very great interest and value to the New Zealand Ministers. I* bore out and amplified the conclusions they themselves had formed at 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 >he 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. . Mr. Bruce also discussed t.r.mds in Australia in regard to beef, mutton , and lamb, dairy produce, wool research and publicity, and fruit and while not. of able to give any precise forecast, of future developments there, whether in the matter of regulation o£ marketing or otherwise, he was helpful to the New Zealand Ministers in' better appreciating the viewpoint of Australia. He made it clear that steps bad been taken as the outcome of his visit to Australia to set up committers’ representative of producers in the various States. It was agreed by all the Ministers that any policy that looked to an improvement of ma rite t conditions must be based on full co-operation between overseas producers and farmers in the United Kingdom. The removing of any misunderstanding of their common interests wa? regarded as the most important part of the task ahead.' The various points that were the subject of discussion in the brief time available at Auckland are to be followed up by and through the High Commissioners in London. They will jointly place the facta before the British Government, and will carry on the discussion there while keeping in constant touch with their Governments at this end of the • world. * The discussions between the New Zealand Ministers and Mr. Bruce were conducted in a private sitting-room at the Grund Hotel. The conference opened about 10 o’clock, and with a break for luncheon lasted until nearly 3.30 p.m. The informal nature of the conference was subsequently indicated by Mr. Forbes, who said that no notes of the discussion* were taken. It- was merely an interchange of views and the utmost harmony prevailed throughout. . Mr. Bruce said he had enjoyed meeting the New Zealand Ministers, and tiiought the discussions should prove profitable to both countries. Another statement by Mr. Forbes was to the effect that. Mr. Bruce was not returning to London with any authority to speak or act for New Zealand should negotiations be commenced with the British Government. After the morning discussions the Ministers adjourned for lunch at the Northern Club, where several leading citizens, incluldng the Mayor. Mr. G. W. Hutchison, were also present. The conference was resumed shortly after 2 o’clock, and adjourned finally in time for Mr. Bruce to rejoin the Monterey, on which he is travelling io America en route to England, where he will resume his duties as High Commissioner for Australia. The vessel sailed at about 4 o'clock, having been delayed for three hours fcr the conference. ’ - Mrs. Bruce, who was/accompanying her husband, was entertained during the day by Mrs. Forbes. There was a small luncheon party ,at the Grand Hotel, and Mrs. Bruce was taken for a motor drive.