TRADE AND SHIPPING PROBLEMS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 299, 15 September 1941, Page 8

TRADE AND SHIPPING PROBLEMS

New Zealand’s Position NEW POST FOR BRIGADIER FALLA (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, September 14. Satisfaction with the negotiations being carried on overseas regarding New Zealand’s trade and shipping problems was expressed by the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, in an interview. Mr. Fraser stated definitely that Mr. Langstone would conclude his trade mission to the United States and'Canada very shortly and would probably return, to New Zealand by the next clipper, or the one after. He had concluded arrangements for the renewal of the Canadian trade agreement which bad expired on September 30. Referring to the earlier part of his tour, Mr. Fraser said he had discussed Pacific matters with the Australian War Cabinet, and then the Acting-Prime Minister, Mr. Fadden, and had been convinced that New Zealand could rely on good co-operation from Australia. Regarding shipping, Mr. Fraser said New Zealand had reason to be satisfied with the course of the Battle of the Atlantic, which he felt justified in saying was now being won. The provision of tonnage for the New Zealand trade was also better, and it was gratifying to know that all last season’s butter had either been lifted or was being lifted. The news that Brigadier N. S. Falla, chairman of the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand, Limited, had been"attached -to the British Ministry of Shipping to deal with matters affecting the Pacific was made known by the Prime Minister. WAR EQUIPMENT Supplies For Dominion And N.Z.E.F. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, September 14. “I do not say we are getting everything immediately, but I can say that arrangements for the supply of all kinds of armament for the defence of New Zealand are very satisfactory,” stated the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, in an interview. The Prime Minister said he was not in a position to say whether particular classes of munitions were being obtained from Britain or North America, but he made it clear that the utmost degree of helpful cooperation existed among the countries concerned, all of which desired to see New Zealand.adequately equipped. Asked whether the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in Egypt now had its full equipment, Mr. Fraser said that when lie left the Middle East for Europe much had still to be done, but at the r"te at which supplies were pouring in at that time there was no room for doubt that the needs of the force would soon be met.

Speaking of the Empire Air Training Scheme, Mr. Fraser said he had the pleasure of visiting stations in Ontario and presenting New Zealand and other pilots with their wings. The scheme was 1 an immense success and had gone far beyond its original objective. Everyone spoke in commendation of the New Zealanders, who were doing all and more than was expected of them. EMPIRE WAR CABINET Attitude Of Mr. Fraser (Bv Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, September 14. “New Zealand is prepared to cooperate in any suitable plan for Dominion representation in the Empire’s war counsels whether by.holding a commonwealth war conference or by more adequate representation,” said the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser. "The attitude I take up is rather different from those of some other Dominion prime ministers,” Mr. Fraser continued. “There are limitations on the present method by which overseas prime ministers sit as members on the War Cabinet at different periods. In tiie British commonwealth collaboration and interchange of opiuions is most desirable and, as I have said, we are prepared to join in any suitable arrangement. However, there are two important considerations affecting this country. First, though we are ready to collaborate at all times, the place of the Prime Minister of New Zealand is in New Zealand, specially in a situation such as that which now exists. Secondly, no one prime minister can possibly represent any other Dominion than his own.”