CLOSER UNION

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 104, 5 May 1933, Page 6

CLOSER UNION

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND FEDERAL MINISTER'S HINT (From "Tha Post's" RoprMantative.) ~' ; ' SYDNEY, April 27. Anzac' Day is the oue day in the year which provides a.suitable opportunity to' emphasise the close links between Australia and New Zealand, but there are still many'who regret that there are so few practical signs that a friendly feeling of co-operation exists. The trade barriers between the two Dominion's are frequently discussed, and it is hoped now that .the. recent visit' to New Zealand of an Australian representative will turn the tide, and that a treaty which will be of mutual benefit will be'the outcome. The Federal Cabinet has spent a great deal of time during the past week iv discussing the report of its envoy, and it is felt that even if the difficult embargo, problems are not overcome an agreement that will greatly stimulate trade across the Tasman will be the outcome. ' It was indeed .providential that Sir James Parr should have been in Melbourne on Anzac Day to give New Zealand direct representation' in the solemn services of remembrance. - The Federal Attorney-General (Mr. Latham) said how much the presence of Sir James was appreciated' and those who are interested in developing a closer friendship between Australia and Now Zealand have been greatly heartened by the remarks of Mr. Latham in the course of ,a brief speech. '.'We need a closer union with New Zealand," he said. "I am hoping that the Commonwealth Government will take a very definite step soon in maintaining the friendly feeling between the two Dominions." With or without justification this is interpreted in some .quarters that the Federal Government, is prepared to make important concessions to' Now Zealand, hoping, of course, that tha Dominion will be ready to do her share. , .' Sir James Parr did his best to cement a friendly feeling by recalling an .interview ho had in Munich with Erich Ludcndorff, whom' he described as the brain behind many of Hinden-. burg's campaigns. Ludcndorff had told Sir James that the Dominion forces bad shown steadiness and dash beyond any anticipation of Germany. He gave the' highest praise to the Australian Army Corps. He said that along the line'of 400 miles the' Germans .feared the shock troops of Australia most. Sir James said that as a New Zealandcr ho could recall that tribute without laying hiuiself open to a charge of bias.

The annual conference of the Music Teachers' Association of New Zealand is to be held at Dunedin next week. Among those who are to attend the conference from "Wellington will be Messrs. Robert Parker (president), Lawrence Watkins, George Ellwood, and John Bishop, and Miss A.va Symons and Miss Valeric Corliss-