AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER INTERVIEWED.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16638, 9 March 1916, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER INTERVIEWED.

DISCUSSION OF DOMINION MATTEBS. MEW ZEALAND POLITICAL LEADERS. PROBABLE DATE OP VISIT TO LONDON. Emm Assoeiatkß—By Telegraphr-Copyright. LONDON, March. 7. (Received March 8, at 8.55 p.m.) Mr W. M. Hughes (Prime Minister-of Australia), in the course of an interview, said he was glad that he had had an opportunity for a discussion -with Mr Massey and Sir R. L. Borden on vital matters affecting the dominions arising out of the war. He was not empowered to speak for Canada and New Zealand, al- < though he was able to state their views. He expected that Sir R. L. Borden would visit England befoTe he (Mr Hughes) departs. He understood that Mr Massey, probably accompanied by Sir Joseph Ward, would reach London in May, and he hoped to again consult Mr Massey when returning through America. Mr Hughes stated that he was considering the position with regard to Fiji, but refused to be drawn regarding any proposals he was making to the British Government. He admitted that a policy for the Pacific was among the questions under discussion. LONDON, March 8. (Received Mar. 9, at 0.45 a.m.) The Times states : " Mr Hughes's speech is of unusual importance and interest. We have hitherto not had in Britain a statesman able to speak with the voice of three dominions. Mr Hughes is the representative for Australia, and also ambassador for Canada and New Zealand. His conferences with Sir R. L. Borden and Mr Massey established agreement on many points. If Mr Massey does not reach London before Mr Hughes leaves, Sir R L: Borden and Mr Massey will be informed of the conference in Canada."