NEW MINISTER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23708, 15 July 1940, Page 9

NEW MINISTER

POST IN AUSTRALIA AMERICAN REPRESENTATIVE BRIEF STAY IN AUCKLAND The new United States Minister to Australia, Mr. Clarence E. Gauss, passed through Auckland by the Matson Line steatne/ Monterey on Saturday, on his way to Canberra, where lie will take up residence. He was accompanied by his first secretary, Mr. John Kussell Minter, who is also paving his first visit to Australia. Mr. Gauss' appointment is the result of a new agreement reached by the Governments of Australia and the United States for an exchange of Ministers. Mr. R. G. Casey, who was recently appointed Australian Minister in the United States, has already arrived in "Washington.

Mr. Gauss Las been a member of the United States diplomatic service for 3.'5 years, and his last post was that of Consul-General at Shanghai. Mr. Gauss met the Australian Minister in Washington before leaving for Australia. When he left Shanghai, he said, conditions were quiet, but he emphasised that the situation there might have changed very considerably since his departure. He. considered that the inauguration of the new air service between the United States and New Zealand would prove of great value to both countries. The shortening of the time taken by mail from this country and Australia to reach the States from three weeks to five days was a great benefit. In addition it provided an alternative fast, direct route to England.

Mr. Gauss and Mr. Minter were the guests of the New Zealand Government at an informal luncheon given at the Station Hotel in the afternoon. The Hon. D. Wilson, Leader of .the Legislative Council, who arrived from Wellington on Saturday morning, represented the Government.