MISSION ABROAD

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 100, 1 May 1939, Page 10

MISSION ABROAD

MINISTER OF FINANCE

REPLY TO MR. HAMILTON

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, This Day,

"A very ungenerous remark," said the Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nash) before his departure for England, when referring to the suggestion by the Leader of the Opposition (the Hon. A. Hamilton) that his mission abroad might be used to swing the balance of New Zealand's interests away from Britain.

"Why should we do such a foolish thing?" asked the Minister. "I have said before, and emphasise again, that the United Kingdom has been most generous in its attitude to New Zealand. I hope that will continue-to be the position. We do everything in our power to co-operate with Britain." At the same time it had to be recognised that there were other nations outside the Empire with which it was necessary for New Zealand to be on friendly terms. The intention of his remarks, which he said Mr. Hamilton had misconstrued, was that New Zealand should also appreciate the importance of good relationships with peoples outside the Empire. It was wrong to infer from such a remark that they should think less of people within the British Empire. A complimentary luncheon was tendered Mr. Nash today by the Mayor (Sir Ernest Davis). Representatives of local bodies and commercial and banking institutions attended. Speakers wished the Minister godspeed and a successful mission.