Supply Minister Back After Visit To Commonwealth

Northern Advocate, 21 December 1945, Page 8

Supply Minister Back After Visit To Commonwealth

(Special) AUCKLAND, This Day. 1 Following discussions in Australia concerning civil aviation, aspects of trade and means of alleviating the New Zealand wheat shortage, the Minister for Supply (Hon. D. G. Sullivan) returned from Sydney yesterday by flying-boat.

With the Minister were Messrs. F. R. Ficot, Commissioner of Supply; R. McPherson, Wheat and Flour Controller; J. P. Johnsen, of the Customs Department; L. C. Webb, Controller of Stabilisation; and R. F. Wilson, private secretary. “Subject to concurrence by the United Kingdom, we intend to set up a tripartite commission representing the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand to make the necessary investigations and report to the three Governments on the steps necessary for the establishment of an air service between Australia, New Zealand and the United States,” Mr. Sullivan said. COSTLY R.A.F. SERVICE

“Nothing can be decided until the commission, which will control the service, has reported its recommendations to the Governments concerned.”

Asked his view of the prospect of the R.A.F. Transport Command Pacific service being resumed, following requests from Australia and New Zealand, the Minister said there was a big gap at present, and every effort had been made to ensurer the temporary resumption of the service. Such a service was very costly, however. Australia and New Zealand were now awaiting the British decision.

“The position concerning motor tyres remains very difficult,” Mr. Sullivan continued.

“There may be some relief, but the position is just as acute in Australia as it is here. The question of further supplies of Australian-made tyres to New Zealand was discussed, ’ and we have made our representations. ALL HELP POSSIBLE

“I am.assured that the Australians will do whatever they reasonably can, and help us as far as possible. “It does not matter where we try to get tyres, whether it be in the United Kingdom,-Canada, Australia or the United States; the situation remains difficult,” he added. “The whole position arises fibrn the rubber shortage, which has not been relieved by synthetic manufacture to a degree enough to affect us.” Discussing tobacco supplies, Mr. Sullivan said there was no shortage of tobacco leaf in New Zealand, but the difficulty was to get it converted into cigarettes.

He understood that the Minister for Customs (Hon. W. Nash) had recently granted all applications made for private licences to import cigarettes. The Minister said he had not yet seen anything of a reported proposal by the Invercargill Returned Services Association that recently-discharged servicemen should be guaranteed, for at least six months after discharge, a weekly ration of tobacco or cigarettes.