MR. LYONS AT AUCKLAND

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 August 1935, Page 7

MR. LYONS AT AUCKLAND

IMPRESSIONS OF TOUR N.Z.—AUSTRALIAN RELATIONS

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, August 9.

The Australian Prime Minister, Mr Lyons, with Mrs Lyons and party, reached Auckland to-day on return from London. In an interview’, he said it was probable that an Imperial Conference would be called next year, when longterm trade agreements between Britain and the Dominions would be entered into. He had many conversations in London with Mr Forbes, and a trade delegation from Australia was to come over as soon as a date could be fixed. He would confer with Hon. R. Masters to-day.

Mr Lyons said he found a friendly atmosphere in the United States. Sir Henry Gullett, who was following him, would discuss trade with the United States and Canadian authorities, and also in New Zealand. Asked if any arrangements had been made in the direction of gradually reducing the Australian exchange rate on London, Mr Lyons said the rate was fixed by the Commonwealth Bank, and the Government would not inter“We -would not discuss that asas it would be in conflict with our policy.”. On the question of defence, Mr Lyons would say nothing except that the Dominions -were fully taken into the confidence of the British Government on the defence policy and armaments.

LATER. “And what about butter and cheese,” Mr Lyons was asked. “Ask Mr. Forbes’ There is no difficulty as far as Australia is concerned,” he replied, and beyond that he would not be drawn. Regarding the meat agreement, he said he would reserve a statement till he reached Australia. The arrangements made in London were satisfactory, but further discussion would be necessary prior to the expiry next year of the Britain-Argentine agreement. The discussion might have to be on in London, as probably an Im-, perial Conference was to be held next year. No date for that conference could be fixed on account of the difficulties caused by Parliamentary sessions in the Dominions. It was satisfactory to note that in the meantime, the atmosphere in London had become quite favourable to the Dominions. Questioned about the meat agreement Mr Lyons declared it was as good as Australia hoped for, and there had never heen a chance of a complete deadlock. The discussions were prolonged, because the Imperial authorities had many international questions to deal with.

THE EMPIRE’S LOYALTY

AUCKLAND, August 9.

“We have been through difficult times,” said Mr. Lyons, in referring at a civic reception, to-day, to the bond of fellowship between Australia and New Zealand. “We are getting through perhaps better than any other country in the world, unless it be Great Britain, and we are proud of our achievements. Australia and New Zealand are looking forward with confidence, and through better times for both countries we will come closer, and I have the faith that as we come closer the bond that ties us to the Old Country will become strengthened as years go by.” The speakers at the reception were the Mayor, Mr. Ernest Davis, Hon. R. Masters, representing the Government, Mr. M. J. Savage, M.P. Mr. Lyons also spoke of the wonderful demonstrations of loyalty, which he and the New Zealand representatives had been privileged to witness in Britain. Passing through other countries, he had thought the British people had the advantage in that they had at the head of their great organisation, someone who was not subject to criticism by Parliament, and had the unanimous loyalty of all sections andi parties. There was no division in the ranks when it came to regarding the King.

MR. FORBES AT SYDNEY

(by cable —press assn.—-copyright.)

SYDNEY, August S.

Mr G. AV. Forbes, in au interview, said' he had seen a great deal of Mr J. A. Lyons, but he had not discussed New Zealand trade relations in any detail with him. Sir 11. Gullett, however, would be leaving the Australian delegation as it passed through Auckland, and in New Zealand he would examine the marketing of orangesand potatoes. He understood it was likely an Imperial conference to which- Dominion representatives would bo invited,' would be held in London in 1937, but no date at present was suggested. There would also be further discussions next year with the British Government regarding meat. Mr. and Mrs. Forbes were guests of Premier Stevens and State Ministers at a private luncheon to-day. while to-morrow they will be guests at a luncheon of the Millions Club, and later will bo given a reception by the Kia Ora New Zealand Club, aiid at night will attend a dinner arranged in their honour by the Commonwealth Government. They are sailing on Monday for New Zealand bv the Wanganelia.

TENNIS RACQUETS DUTY.

CANBERRA. August 8.

A Customs proclamation gazetted to-day provides for the admission to the Commonwealth of New Zealandmade tennis racquets at a duty of twenty per cent, au valorem, which is reduction of ten per cent, on the former duty.