RUSSIA AND N.Z.

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 108, 8 May 1937, Page 9

RUSSIA AND N.Z.

TRADE POSSIBILITIES

MR. NASH'S VISIT'

DOMINION'S GOOD

WISHES

Onitsd Press Association—By Electric Tele-

graph—Copyright.

(Received May 8, 10.30 a.m.)

LONDON, May 7.

Convinced that Soviet Russia cannot be neglected from all points of 'view, .'particularly trade, the New Zealand Minister,of Finance, Mr. W. Nash, who recently returned after a visit to.Moscow, informed the Aus-tralian-Associated Press agency that his visit had shown that the possibilities of trade between Russia and New Zealand were limited at present, but would be worth while. He had had valuable discussions with the Commissar for -Foreign Trade, M. Rbsenholz, the Commissar for Foreign Affairs, M. Litvinoff, the Commissar for Firiance,'M.Grinko ? -and many other officials, who had indicated that the position might be improved. '_.'. ' . ■

He discussed trade, working cpnditioris,- wages, prices,- and social insurance, with M., Schyernik, general secretary of trade unions with a membership of 25,000.000. He calculated that on a seven-day week basis the hours worked were slightly in excess of the 40 per week- in N,,ew Zealand, but, admitting that the country knew little of mechanisation, which had been started with untrained personnel, the progress made was remarkable, although' at pre? sent working efficiency was below Western standards.

Mr. Nashv.lmpressions ; in Moscow were of the gigantic tasks being achieved, and of the happiness, hopefulness, and activity of the people. He inspected an advanced medical centre in Moscow which was a splendid example of the new spirit of Russia. With like enthusiasm, devotion, and service to humanity and in other fields, he said, the countries of the world would advance to the natural objective of the fullest life for all.

On behalf of New Zealand, he said, he had extended good wishes for success in their work.

He had spent a morning at Bolshevo, a!town Of;. 12,000 people, many of whom were convicts.' Probationers were, allowed to take part freely in the communal life, and. work was done at standard rates of pay in the factories. It was an interesting experiment and its principle'and procedure,should be extended. ,;•..'.■ ... ■ ... ■ ,■',

Mr. Nash referred to the freedom with which he was allowed to travel and ask questions, and commented on the remarkable friendliness shown everywhere.