MR. CHIFLEY IN N.Z.

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22512, 16 December 1947, Page 8

MR. CHIFLEY IN N.Z.

HOLIDAY VISIT TALKS TO BE HELD NO COMMENT ON POLITICS (P.A.) AUCKLAND, Dec. 16. Reaching for his pipe as soon as his feet touched the tarmac, the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. J. B. Chifley, climbed from the awkward hatch of a Liberator aircraft at Whenuapai late yesterday afternoon to begin his first holiday for seven years. He was accompanied by Mrs. Chifley and a friend of the family, Mrs. 1. Clark, and two members of his staff, Mr. J. H. Garrett and Miss B. Pittard. Mr. and Mrs. Chifley will' divide their time between Auckland and Rotorua until December 29 when they are to return to Australia in the same aircraft. Welcome at Airport The Australian leader was met on his arrival by the commanding officer at Whenuapai, Group Captain R. Newell, and was then greeted on behalf of the Prime Minister, Mr. P. Fraser, by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr.

W. E. Parry. Also present were several Auckland members of Parliament, departmental officers and Mr. R. F. Barter, president of the Auckland Labour Representation Committee. Mr. Chifley, who said his trip was primarily a holiday, added that he would be meeting Mr. Fraser during his visit and that they would have discussions on' subjects of common interest. A wide range of subjects would be covered as New Zealand and Australia had many mutual interests. .“I want to take the opportunity 'whie I am here of having some discussions with your Prime Minister about economic matters affecting both countries,” he said. “There is also the question of trade between the two countries and a number of general problems in the economic field. We will no doubt cover defence as well. Close Touch With N.Z.

"We have tried to keep in close touch with New Zealand while we have been the Government. The two countries have much in common out here in the Pacific Moreover, New Zealand Ministers have been good enough to come over quite a number of times to discuss things with us, and I thought it was only fitting to acknowledge that courtesy by coming over for discussions and a short rest.” Mr. Chifley refused to be drawn upon the subject of current Australian politics. He parried questions relating to the effects of the Australian b->nk nationalisation nlan upon New Zealand branches of the banks and others r elating to the political situation in Tasmania.

When asked how he planned to snend his time in New Zealand and whether he intended to fish while at Rotorua, »e laughed. "Fish have a habit of staying away when I am there.” he said. “Mv idea of a rest is doing nothing.” The Australian narty, which was flown direct from Australia in an aircraft of the Royal ,A”strah'nn Air commanded bv Wing Commander .T. Hampshire. D.F.C.. had tea in the Whenuapai terminal building with Mr. Parrv. Auckland M.P.s. and the °re\v of the plane. Mr. Chifley later +henked the crew for a pleasant trip, bad a word with the W.A.A.F.’s who served his tea. and left for the city. Imposing Array of Cars

As some concern had been felt whether or not the party would reach Auckland in time for dinner, the plane not having landed until after six o’clock, an imoosing array of Government motor-ears had been assembled Aar the occasion. A polce car headed the nroopciion of five of the new Chry? sle-s which accommodated the visitors •md those who had assembled to meet *hem, and a nost office van brought un the rear with the loggage. A sixth Chrysler which -had been at Whenuaoa> diet not. toin the convoy.

Mr. Chffiey and his party will be at +he G-end Hotel until Wednesday "'hen they will leave for Rotorua. They are to return to Auckland on Eve to- stav at the Station lintel and to Have for A "stralia from Whorm-n-d on December 29. M r Phiftey pod Mr. Fraser will meet at Rotorua this week. Senarate arrangements have been made for the entertainrnent of the crew of the Liberator. They are likelv to he at w h.enuat>ei for a few days and may Inter travel south before reassembling in time fo” reti-rn fjeht.