AUSTRALIAN PREMIER

Grey River Argus, 10 August 1935, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN PREMIER

AUCKLAND RECEPTION Views on Empire Affairs (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND. August 9. The Australian Prime Minister, Air J. A. Lyonst, with Mrs Lyons and parly reached Auckland to-day on return from He was tendered a civic reception. The speakers at the reception were the Mayor, Mr Ernest Davis. Hon. R. Masters, representing the Government and Mr M. ‘ .1. Savage, M.P. (Leader of the Opposition.) “We have been through difficult times,” said Air Lyons, in leferring at a civic recept’ion, to-day, to the bond of fellowship between Australia and New Zealand. “We are getting through perhaps better than any othe*. country in the world, unless it he Great Britain, and we are proud of our achievement’s. Australia and New Zealand are looking forward with confidence. and through better; times for both countries we will come closer, and T have the faith that as wp comp eloser the bond that tieus to the Old Country will become strengthened as years go by.” Mr Lyons also spoke of -the wonderful demonstrations of loyalty which he and the New Zealand repre sontatives had been privi’egod 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 the : r great organisation, someone who was not subject to criticism bv Parliament and had the unanimous loyalty of a- 1 ! sections and parties. There was no division in the ranks when it enmo tn regarding the King. AN INTERVIEW. In an interview Mr Lyons said it was probable that an Imperial Conference would be called next year when long-term trade agreements between Britain and the Dominions’ would bo entered into. He had many <onversa-

tions in London with Mr Forbes, and a trade delegation from Australia was to come over a“ 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 C’ommonwea'th Bank, and the Government would not inter fere. “We would not discuss fhat aspect. as it would be in conflict with onr policy.’’ On the question of defence. Mr Lyons would say nothing except that the Dominions were fully taken into the confidence of the British Govern ment on the defence policy and armaments. “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 1 , he said he would reserve a statement til 1 he reached Australia. The arrangements made in London were satisfactory. but further discussion wonld be neeessarv prior to the expiry next year of' the Brifish-Argentine agreement. The discussion might have to be on in London, as prohahlv an Imperial Conference was to bo held next year. No date. for that conference could be fixed on account of the difficulties eansed by Parliamentary sessions in the Dominions. It was satis factory to note that in the meantime, the atmosphere in London had heeonm quit,-, favourable to the Dominions. 1 Questioned about the ment agreement Mr Lyons declared it was ns good as Australia hoped for and ’here ha 1 never been a chance of a cnmp’et ■ deadlock. The discussions were prolonged because the Imperial author ities had many international questions to deal with. THE NIAGARA’S COLLISION. (±*er Press Association;. AUCKLAND. August 9. The story of the Niagara’s collision on July 17th, was told by the passengers who arrived by the Mariposa today. The Prime Minister, Mr Lyons, who was a passenger on the Niagara, was inclined to treat the accident lightly, although the point of the impact was near his cabin. After satisfying him self there was no serious danger, he went t’o bed. It was just one of those bad luck accidents that may happen at any time said a Sydney merchant. It was a few minutes after eight o’clock, when the ship was three hours out from Victoria. There was heavy fog, and both the Niagara and the motorship. King Egbert, were on their correct course and blowing sirens frequently. There was a terrific crash followed by a loud grating sound. The King Egbert struck the Niagara on the port side sheariry away a length of railing’on C. deck. 'The superstructure was damaged. and several plates buckled above the waterline. The King Egbert’s bow was severely damaged. Within two minutes the Niagara’s crew were nt the emergency stations, and boats swung out. but it was soon seen launching was not necessary. No official order was given to don lifebelts, but a number of passengers did so. There was no suggestion of panic, though some of the mor e elderly wo men were badly frightened. It was fortunate the other ship was not loaded and also that the Niagara was struck at a point where she is particularly strong. Captain Hill enjoyed the confidence of all, and the conduct of officers and erew could not be praised too highly. DEPARTURE FOR SYDNEY. (Per Press Association'l. AUCKLAND. August 9 The Prime Minister of Australia, Mr J. A. Lyons and Mrs Lyons, spent a busy day in Auckland to-day. after they arrived from San Francisco bv the Mariposa. The numerous functions during the day were followed by an evening re ception arranged by the Australian Trade Commission. Mr and Mrs Lyons continued their journey 'to Sydney by the Mariposa to-night.