TRANS-TASMAN AIR SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 133, 29 February 1936, Page 10

TRANS-TASMAN AIR SERVICE

Subsidised Shipping NEW ZEALAND DISCUSSION WITH AUSTRALIA Nothing decisive has yet been done regarding the negotiations between the Governments of New Zealand and Australia about the proposed trans-Tas-man air-mall service, subsidised shipping competition in the Pacific and the exchange of potatoes and citrus fruits between the two countries. It is anticipated, however, that ministerial discussions will take place in New Zealand, as Australia is being invited to send a Minister over to Wellington. The Prime Minister, Hon. M. J. Savage, said yesterday that the question of the traiis-Tasman air service bad not yet reached the stage at which any definite announcement could be made. It was desirable that Australia and New Zealand should work together in this and other matters. In the event of discussions taking place, it was not unlikely that attention would be paid also to the question of subsidised shipping. As far as the deadlock over trade in potatoes and citrus fruits is concerned. Mr. Savage said that this also would be discussed ‘‘lt is not a very big problem, but it is important, and it should be possible to come to some reasonable understanding,” he remarked. “After all, Australia is not so very far away from us. Of course, we want to look after the interests of our own people first, but it seems to- me that the position, could be without a great deal of difficulty. The last Government discussed the question in Australia recently, but did not come iotny decision. I think they were only balking at shadows.”