BINDING TIES

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 78, 28 September 1918, Page 5

BINDING TIES

AMERICA AND AUSTRALIA

THE TRADE POSSIBILITIES.

(AUSTRALIAN-NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.) WASHINGTON, 26th September. ■ Mr. P. K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior, . interviewed by the Australian Press Association's correspondent, said he was delighted at Australia's .decision to establish offices in America. Such a step would be a tremendous advantage to Australia, whose, possibilities the United States was only beginning to realise. "We regard Australia as a fullbrother. Our relations during the next few years will improve more rapidly than in ..the 'last fifty years. .The Anzacs' magnificent work in the war has forged a link with ourselves which can never' be broken. One year hence we shall probably have four million, of our boys oii the West front mixing . with Australians, .and thus understanding one another better, and strengthening the commoji ties. The Panama Canal brings Australia nearer in a shipping sense, and greatly increases the possibilities of trade. We expect Australia to co-operate with us in developing this commerce. ' Mr. Hughee's brilliant speeches and activities made him one of the most prominent visitors on this side of the Pacific, and his efforts on behalf of Australia will have far-reaching results. lam deeply interested in Australia's timely plans for repatriation after the war, and also.-in the work of the British Immigration League. America is contemplating similar measures, and is applying a, million^ dollars to the preliminary.programme." Mr. W. C. Redfield, Secretary of Commerce, said, that since Mr. Hughes's visit and his. announcement of Australia's intention to have special representation in the United States, the officials at Washington had taken _a greatly increased , interest in the possibilities of trade between Australia and America. "I beliayo that Australia's waste spaces are capable of great development. ; Forty years ago. we had large tracts of "country that we're -pro-, nounced to be desert and absolutely worthless. This land now represents "several prosperous States. ' Australia, by the application of scientific methods of development <md ' greatly increased population, can expect similar results. The plans to - repatriate soldiers after the war Should help to provide a rural population, as the majority of the men will not return to city avocations.: More people will be attracted to Australia by the increased trade through the Panama Canal. One of our first tasks, as soon as ships'are available, will be.the removal of Australia's tVemendous surplus wheat. Tfle visits of Mr., -Hughes, Sir Joseph Cook, Mr. "Mtissey, .and' Sir Joseph Ward will lead to a better understanding. I amhoptfulthat return visits of American statesmen will i. be paid to Australasia.'.' - .'