N.Z. AND AUSTRALIA

Grey River Argus, 25 February 1941, Page 6

N.Z. AND AUSTRALIA

Federal Mission Arrives TO DISCUSS SHIPPING AND TRADE WELLINGTON, February 24. The Australian Assistant-Minister of Commerce and Assistant-Treasur-er, Mr H. L. Anthony, is spending a. fortnight in New Zealand, representing the Australian Government in a discussion of common wartime problems of the Commonwealth- and the Dominion. He arrived in Wellington to-day. H e is accompanied by Mr J. V. Maroney, Senior Inquiry Officer of the Commonwealth Department of Commerce; by Mr D. L. Canavan, of the Commonwealth Treasury; and by Mr A. C. W. Fisken, Chairman of the Australian Meat Producers’ Board. T’h e Minister of Marketing, Hon. J. G. Barclay, met the party on their arrival at Auckland and accompanied them here.

Mr Anthony stated he proposed to discuss with the Ministry here a number of important questions affecting th c commerce and finance -of the two countries, particularly in relation to the export of produce. The meat position, including storage, also the marketing of dairy produce and fruit would be investigated. As th ( > shipping problems had been accentuated in recent months, he said, the need for a common policy between thc two countries had become progressively greater. The establishment of a long-term policy for advancing the interests of both Australia and the Dominion was desirable. This would be th P principal task he would have to face while discussing these questions with the New Zealand Government. Mr Anthony also intends to examine New Zealand’s scheme for the marketing of pears and apples, as he is responsible for the administration of a similar scheme in Australia. Another subject to be discussed is the supply of coal to New Zealand from Australia. Apart from questions of trade and commerce, Mr Anth.onv will meet Hon. W. Nash and will discuss with him several aspects of finance as they affect the interests of Australia and New Zealand.