MINISTERS MEET

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21793, 7 May 1934, Page 10

MINISTERS MEET

FUTURE MARKETING SEEKING IMPROVEMENT AUSTRALIA AND DOMINION NEED OF CO-OPERATION AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT Discussions regarding the future marketing of Australia and New Zealand primary products in Britain took place in Auckland on Saturday between iho lit. Hon S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner for Australia in London, and the Primo Minister, tho Rt. Hon. G. W. J'' orbes, tho Minister of Finance, the Rt.' Hon. J. G. Coates, and tho Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. R. Masters.

Tho conference, which was private, was held at the Grand Hotel, and was commenced soon after Mr. Bruce's arrival from Sydney by the Monterey in the morning. The discussions were continued in the afternoon until nearly 1t.30, and then Mr. Bruce left to rejoin the Monterey, en route to London. The vessel sailed shortly after -1 o'clock, having been delayed for three hours for the conference.

The following joint statement was issued by tho leaders of the Coalition Government on Saturday night:— "Advantage was taken of the opportunity presented by tho visit of Mr. Bruce for Now Zealand Ministers to meet him. in informal discussion of problems of common interest to the Commonwealth and the Dominion. Mr. Bruce gave tho New Zealand Ministers a first-hand account of recent developments and the outlook as viewed by him in world economic conditions, and in tho position of tho United Kingdom. State of Markets "His summary was olr very great interest and valuo to the Now Zealand Ministers; it bore out and amplified tho conclusions that they themselves had formed as a result of personal discussions and contacts with the British Government and the trend of more recent events. The onrush on to the markets of the United Kingdom of the world's surplus product® had led her to adopt new and experimental courses which were of direct concern to and called for some co-operation by Empire supplying countries. "Mr. Bruce also discussed the trends in Australia in regard to beef, mutton and lamb, dairy produce, wool research and publicity and fruit, and, while not, of course, able to give any precise forecast of tlio future developments there, whether in tho matter of regulation of marketing or otherwise, he was helpful to tho New Zealand Ministers in better appreciating tho viewpoint of Australia. He made it clear that steps had been taken, as an outcome of his visit to Australia, to set up committees representative of producers in the various States. Removing Misunderstanding "It was agreed by all Ministers that any policy that looked to the improvement of market conditions must be based on full co-operation between the overseas producers and the farmers in the United Kingdom. Tho removing of any misunderstanding of their common interests was regarded as a most important part of the task ahead. "The various points that were the subject of discussion in the brief time available in Auckland arc to bo followed up by and through tho High Commissioners in London. They will jointly place the facts before Uic British Government and will carry on discussions there while keeping in constant touch with their Governments at; this end of tho world '' The informal nature of the conference was subsequently indicated by Mr. Forbes, who said no notes of the discussion were taken. It was merely an interchange of views, and tho utmost harmony prevailed throughout. Mr. Bruce said he had enjoyed meeting the New Zealand Ministers and thought the discussions should prove profitable to both countries. Negotiations in London Another statement by Mr. Forbes was to the effect that Mr. Bruce was not returning to London with any authority to speak or act for New Zealand should negotiations be commenced with tho British Government. This was confirmed by Mr. Bruce, and both Ministers agreed that there was no likelihood of an early Imperial Conference being called to discuss the matter in England. Negotiations could safely bo left in the hands of the High Commissioners. Mr. Forbes pointed out that questions regarding the British produce markets had been discussed between the Dominion Prime Ministers and the British Government at tho time of the World Economic Conference. After the morning discussions, the Min inters adjourned for luncheon at tho Northern Club, where several leading citizens, including the Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, were also present. The conference resumed shortly after two o'clock. The holding of the conference aroused considerable interest, . and throughout tho day the vestibule of tho hotel presented the appearance of a section of tho lobbies of Parliament Buildings.

BRITAIN AND QUOTA

NO PRESSURE APPLIED THE OTTAWA AGREEMENTS Information regarding the British Government's attitude to the quota question, which has been received in Auckland, makes it appear that pressure is not being applied from Britain. The British Government stated previously that it was proceeding with its milk scheme and was not now interested in a quota. Information from a reliable quarter in England states that the British Government was very unlikely to take any further action until the expiry of the three-year period of the Ottawa agreements at the end of the 1934-35 export season. However, it was anticipated that discussions would take place prior to the agreements expiring, but concerning the period of two or threo years following. It was probable that a suggestion would be made to New Zoaland to accept a "standstill" agreement while some restriction on foreign shipments was arranged.