PACIPIC ISLANDS

Otago Witness, Issue 3513, 12 July 1921, Page 18

PACIPIC ISLANDS

THE HON E. P. LEE'S TOUR. APIA, July 5. The 11 o u. ]■.. P. Lee arrived nere today on liis first official visit to Samoa, as Minister of External Affairs. On coming ashore from tiie steamer Tolua the Minister was met and welcomed hy the Administrator. Interviewed, Mr Lee wid he and his party had a pleasant voyage, though the weather during some parts of the trip iiad not been good. While at Kuva he had taken the opportunity to confer with the ActingGovemoi of Fiji and the flavor respecting administration matters in the Pacific Islands, and an Minister of Commerce he discussed trade relations between New Zealand and Fiji with prominent business men of Suva. It was proposed to appoint a Trade Commissioner for New Zealand and Eiji. At present Australia supplied Fiji with most of its European foodstuffs. It was pointed out to the Minister that there were opportunities in Fiji for New

Zealand to open up trade, particularly for some of its secondary products, such as machinery. At one time the bulk of the cement used in Eiji came from New Zealand. Traders were unaware that the restrictions on the export of New Zealand cement had been removed. They spoke wvll of the New Zealand article and were prepared to renew their dealings. At Nukualofa, the Tongan seat of government, the Ministerial party were welcomed by Prince Tugi (at present acting-Premier), who placed a motor car at air Lee’s disposal to visit the government, experimental plantation and other spots of interest. The party were entertained at afternoon tea in the Queen’s Palace, and in the evening Queen Salote Tubon gave dinner to JVfr Lee’s party at which the Tongan Ministers and prominent officials were present. The two toasts honoured were King George and the Tongan Queen, .the British and Tbri-gon national anthems being played by thu brass band in the palace grounds. Mr Lee preferred to say nothing at present about his mission to Samoa beyond that it is hia intention to go

thoroughly into the matters affecting the administration and its work.