VISIT TO RUSSIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22724, 10 May 1937, Page 10

VISIT TO RUSSIA

NEW ZEALAND MINISTER REVIEW OF CONDITIONS POSSIBILITIES OF TRADE By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright LONDON, May 7 " I am convinced that Russia cannot be neglected from all viewpoints, particularly that of trade," the New Zealand Minister of Finance, Mr. W. Nash, told a representative of the Australian Associated Press. His visit had shown that the possibilities of trade between New Zealand and the Soviet were limited at present.

However, the worthwhile and valuable discussions Mr. Nash hard had with the Commissars of Foreign Trade, M. Rosenheim, of Foreign Affairs, M. Litvinoff, and of Finance, M. Grinko, and many other officials, indicated that the position might be improved. The Minister discussed trade, working conditions, wages, prices and social insurance with M. Schvernik. general secretary of traxle ijnions with a membership of 25,000,000. Calculated on a seven-day week basis the hours worked were slightly in excess of the 40 a week in New Zealand, but admitting that the country knew little of mechanisation and had started with untrained personnel the piogress was remarkable, although at present the working efficiency was below western standards.

Mr. Nash's impressions of Moscow were of gigantic tasks being achieved, and of the happiness, hopefulness and activity oi' the people.

An advanced medical centre in Moscow, which was a splendid example of the new spirit of Kussia, had been inspected. With a similar enthusiasm and devotion to the service of humanity and in other fields the countries of the world would advance to the natural objective, the fullest life lor all. On behalf of New Zealand he extended good wishes for the success of the work. The Minister spent a morning at Bolshevo, a town where 12,000 people, many of whom were convicts and probationers, were allowed to take part freely in communal life and to work at standard rates of pay in factories. It was an interesting experiment, the principle and procedure of which should be extended, he said. Mr, Nash paid a tribute to the freedom with which he was allowed to travel and ask questions, and said he was shown remarkable friendliness everywhere.