N.Z. MINISTERS

Southland Times, Issue 22096, 17 August 1933, Page 7

N.Z. MINISTERS

VISIT TO WASHINGTON RECEPTION BY MR ROOSEVELT TRADE RELATIONS (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Washington, August 15. Important conversations regarding the future of commercial relations between New Zealand and the United States were held to-day between Mr G. W. Forbes and Mr R. Masters and high officials of the American Department of State and the Department of Commerce. At a luncheon tendered by President Roosevelt the opportunity was taken by the President to mention the question of reciprocal trade between the United States and New Zealand. A subsequent discussion with the Secretary of Industries and Commerce is reported to have been of a most frank and friendly nature. Later Mr Masters met a representative group of executive officers at the Department of State, and appreciation was expressed on behalf of the New Zealand Government at the action of the State Department in lifting the embargo against New Zealand fruit. The view was strongly expressed by Mr Masters that it should be possible to come to a satisfactory agreement by which New Zealand producers could exchange some of their products for lines of American goods of a special nature to the mutual advantage of both countries. The market for New Zealand wool in the United States and the problem of augmenting sales were closely studied, while other main New Zealand products were analysed and discussed. Both Ministers expressed satisfaction at the nature of the discussions, especially the encouraging and sympathetic views voiced by Mr Roosevelt. Mr Forbes and Mr Masters arrive at Boston on Thursday to confer with a leading firm dealing in New Zealand wool.