TO GO TO AUSTRALIA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 31 August 1945, Page 5

TO GO TO AUSTRALIA

BAND OF THE R.N.Z.A.F. ! STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER Wellington August 30. j In response to an invitation from the ! Australian Government, the band of ! the R.N.Z.A.F. is to visit the Commoni wealth shortly, the Minister of Defence. Mr Jones, announced to-day. The Mini-, ster said no statement could be made’ earlier despite speculation on the [ matter because negotiations were go- ! ing on between the tw’O Governments. I The Australian Government was an- | xious for a visit by the R.N.Z.A.F. band i coinciding with the Fourth Victory Loan j campaign late in Seotember and ex ! tending throughout October. The AusI tralian Government was happy to offer ! hospitality, accommodation and the j maintenance of the band, a visit from i which would represent an important j contribution to the happy relations be--1 tween our Dominions. Mr Jones said that in view’ of the Australian Government’s invitations in ! these terms New Zealand was pleased i to co-operale. but several matters had ! to be clarified before a decision was ■ reached, including -the medical cl*s-i-I fication of the band members, transport availability etc. Meanwhile Japan had j surrendered but the Australian Gevj ernment felt the visit would still be i most valuable. i Every member of tjftf band required I for the tour had to go. There j was no truth whatever in any rumour : that the band as a unit was oppos'd to the touT. Mr Jones «aid he was cev 1 tain the majority of New Zealanders j would be proud and happy for the bard to tour Australia as an exp ession of I goodwill from this Dominion.