MR. NASH DECLINES TO BE SPECIFIC ABOUT MISSION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22663, 14 June 1948, Page 6

MR. NASH DECLINES TO BE SPECIFIC ABOUT MISSION

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, June 12. “With what can we bast supply Australia and with what can they supply us?” the Minister of Finance, Mr. W. Nash, asked rhetorically when questioned on the purpose of his mission as he left by air for Australia tooay. accompanied by the Minister of .industries and Commerce, Mr. A, H. Nordmeyer.

These points, Mr. Nash said,. would be discussed with Australian Ministers. He said he and Mr. Nordmeyer were prepared also to discuss anything of mutual interest to the two countries.

“Is the dollar situation likely to be discussed?” he was asked. “We will probably look Into the question of dollar purchases.” Mr. Nash agreed.

“And defence?" was the next query. Shipping his cup of tea at the Whenuapai buffet, Mr. Nash nodded and smiled. “We are willing to talk about anything or everything," he said, cheerfully declining to be specific.

“And will you be returning soon?’’ the reporter asked. ~ , .. , ‘•You’ll be surprised, said Mr Nash, beaming through his glasses ’lf we can get the discussions with the Ministers we want, we’ll be back on Monday night." .. , It is believed in some quarters that dwindling dollars may be the key m the sudden visit of the two Ministers. PILOTED OWN PLANE; MR. NASH LOOKS PLEASED (P.A.) AUCKLAND, June 12. The Minister of Finance, Mr. Nash, was looking pleased and the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Nordmeyer, relieved when they stepped out of the plane which brought them from Wellington this morning before their departure for Sydney. Inquiries showed that the pilot of the plane—a brand new' de Haviland Dove delivered only yesterday at Ohakea—as it circled Whenuapai airfield had been Mr. Nash. ’ “1 took her off," said Group Captain A. E. Clouslon, “and then handed her over to Mr. Nash. He flew all the way from then on—kept her on course, tor. flying at about 1000 ft. “The only trouble was that although he was well clear of the hills he insisted on climbing over them.” Mr. Nash looked modest and admitted that his only previous flying experience was piloting a plane through a rainstorm in the Pacific. “I think Mr. Nordmeyer was worried,” he added.