MR PARRY RETURNS

Evening Star, Issue 22895, 1 March 1938, Page 2

MR PARRY RETURNS

RECIPROCAL PEHSICH REMTIAr TICKS PMNMLS COURTEOUSLY RECEIVED {Pm Unhid Paisa Association.] WELLINGTON, March 1. The Hon. W. E. Parry returned bjJ the Awatea. He was impressed by what had beeol done in New South Wales in’the way; of local body amalgamation, and say* he obtained much valuable informal tion there and in Queensland for use ini connection with the legislation now be* fore Parliament. . An agreement for reciprocity m \olff age and invalid-pensions . between New Zealand and the Commonwealth is awaiting the ratification oftwo Go* vernments, and Mr Parry alidt the pro* posals submitted on behalf *hT''the New, Zealand Government were received with every courtesy and consideration. He was hopeful of the agreement .drawn up being made effective in the two countries. The position was that an agree* ment providing for reciprocity in old age pensions was come to over- 20 years ago and ratified by Act of Parliament in' New Zealand, but the Commonwealth did not pass a similar Act. Thus the . whole scheme remained inoperative* New Zealand desired *o, and would, pay every penny of its share. All that was asked was that Australia'should do like* wise. It was hoped that any arrange* ( ment ' between New Zealand-and the Commonwealth would be .a steping stone toward similar arrangements in the . future between the Old Country and all ■ parts of the -Empire, The latest advice he had received from the Commonwealth Prime Minister was * to the'effect' that the proposals would be submitted to Cabinet for, ratification at An early date.