IN NEW YORK.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 30 December 1926, Page 5

IN NEW YORK.

MR. S. M. BRUCE ARRIVES, BOMBARDMENT OF QUESTIONS, BY CABLE —PRESS ASSOCIATION—OOP YRIGII'J NEW YORK, Dec. 28. The Rt. Hon. S, M. Bruce and party arrived by the Majestic in one of the worst shipping tie ups in the history of the harbour, due to dangerous fogs and heavy rain, making navigation so hazardous that the vessels will be twenty-four hours in docking and many large liners will be prevented from sailing. The party, <a.fter eight hours’ delay, was, with Prince Chichibu of Japan, who also -arrived by the Majestic, brought ashore by a Government cutter. They will be deprived of their luggage for a day, as the cutter had only the minimum accommodation. A police escort brought the party to Beltmor© Hotel, where it will stay while in New York.

Air. Bruce wa-s subjected to a two hours’ bombardment- of questions by male -and- female reporters, who came out to the ship before dawn. The questions covered every conceivable topic, from- his own dress to the treaty-mak-ing powers of the Commonwealth, as determined by the Imperial Conference.

SEARCH FOR INFORMATION. MR, S. M. BRUCE IN U.S.A. ANSWERS NUMEROUS QUESTIONS NEW YORK, Dec. 28. Asked about an Australian Minister to the United States, the Rt. Hon. S. AI. Bruce indicated that tlie Government has no present intention of appainting one, though it has power to do so. Concerning a possible tariff arrangement with the United States, he said that the Commonwealth could negotiate trade treaties upon reciprocal terms, and possibly would be interested in such treaties wherever concrete matters were under consideration. At present there were no such reciprocal tariff matters between the United States and Australia being considered. Air. Bruce indicated that he would informally discuss with the proper departments at Washington the question of obtaining greater latitude for Australian business men concerning the privilege of stays in the United States. Such stays were now being limited to periods of six months, inflicting hardships upon individuals, who, by coming to the States, benefited further trade and other relationships between the two countries. Mr. Bruce- declined to discuss the Government’s intentions as to a successor to Sir Joseph Cook. He commented on Australian loans, differentiating between public and private- borrowing, and stressing that Britain was naturally the first field, but Australia would gladly welcome American investors who wish to assist industrial development in Australia, and, at the same time, find a safe and reliable field for their investments. Air. Bruce answered many queries, demanding a- vast amount of statistical information, concerning Australian migration, the Railways Board, the development of agricultural enterprises, etc., going to great detail to make Australian conditions familiar to Americans.