TRADE AND DEFENCE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22571, 26 February 1948, Page 5

TRADE AND DEFENCE

N.Z. & AUSTRALIA TALKS ON CANBERRA MR. SEMPLE’S MISSION CANBERRA. Feb. 25. Talks for the further consolidation of Australian and New Zealand trade and defence arrangements are to be held at Canberra today on an inter-Govern-mental level. The Prime Minister, Mr J. B. Chifley and senior members of the Cabinet will confer with the New Zealand Minister for Works and Railways Mr R. Semple and Mr P. B. .Marshall. _ The talks are based on the realisation of both Governments that for many years to come Australia and New Zealand must play a leading role as custodians of democracy and freedom in the Pacific. The discussioqs will take nognisance of the need for the development of industries vital to Empire defence in strategically safe areas, steps for the prevention of useless duplication of industries and the development of trade between the two countries. Mr. Semple, was tendered a dinner at Parliament House last night, those present including the Minister of Post-War Reconstruction, Mr. Dedman, the Minister of Commerce and Agriculture, Mr. Pollard, the Minister of Housing, Mr. Lemmon, the Speaker, Mr. Rosevear, and the acting High Commissioner for New Zealand, Miss J. R. McKenzie.