AUSTRALASIAN DEFENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15834, 3 February 1915, Page 7

AUSTRALASIAN DEFENCE.

ME. FISHEE'S VIEWS.

"NEAR UNDERSTANDING."

NEW ZEALAND IMPRESSIONS.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

(Received February 2, 10.30 p.m.;

S-'-dn-ey, February 2. Mr. A.vdrew Fiskeb, Commonwealth Prime Minister, has returned from his visit to New Zealand. He expressed his thanks to the people of New Zealand for thoir extreme kindness and cordiality. He had been received with such generosity that ho was soon convinced that whatever differences of opinion exist among sections of Now Zealanders and Australians there was no evidence of any dislike of Australians. Public men were too generous in expressing thanks for the services the Australian fleet had rendered in the Pacific. The cordiality of his reception had exceeded his expectations. " 1 am convinced," said Mr. Fisher, " that we are near some understanding in regard to defence, reciprocal trade, and other matters of mutual interest. Owing to the political situation, New Zealand is unable to speak definitely on defence questions, but all parties are interested in the subject, and reciprocity in some directions is assured." He had found unanimity regarding the advisability of an interchange of "visits between public men, which had been arranged-

Questioned regarding the prospects of an Australian federation, Mr. Fisher said that federation was not an essential condition of such defence, trade and legislative agreements as can deal with the present situation. It was for New Zealanders to say how far they -wish to go short of federation. There was abundant room for reciprocal action, and be was more than ever convinced that the two countries must hang together or fall together. Notwithstanding the 1200 reasons" for separation, he had found New Zealanders open-minded in declaring that they would welcome close, relationship.

Regarding Imperial and inter-Dominion conferences, he had found that the views of the two countries coincided. The Massey Government urged that it was impossible to hold an Imperial conference this year. The opportunity should be embraced, said Mr. Fisher, for an Australasian conference to deal with important matters arising out of the war and future closer relationship.