MISSION IN AUSTRALIA

Southland Times, Issue 24161, 25 June 1940, Page 5

MISSION IN AUSTRALIA

N.Z. MINISTER OF SUPPLY

FEDERAL CABINET TO BE CONSULTED BUILDING OF VESSELS DISCUSSED (Received June 24, 11.20 p.m.) SYDNEY, June 24. With its arrival by the Awarua today after a good trip from New Zealand a mission headed by the Minister of Supply (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) subsequently had a conference in Sydney with Sir Frederick Stewart, Commonwealth Minister of Supply, who met the flying-boat, along with Mr W. Taylor, New Zealand Trade Commissioner. The New Zealand party included Mr L. J. Schmitt, Mr E. T. Spidy, Mr E. C. Fussell, Mr Erridge, Mr Cable and Mr K. Sleight.

Mr Sullivan joined a train this evening for Melbourne to confer with the Federal Cabinet and the War Cabinet. Immediately they arrived in Sydney Mr Sullivan and his party got down to work and were kept busy till they departed for Melbourne, interviewing officials connected with their mission.

Following preliminary talks with Sir Frederick Stewart, with whom, as Commonwealth Minister of Supply, Mr Sullivan will have most to do, Mr Sullivan met Mr George Davis, managing director of the Cockatoo Island dockyard on the subject of building minesweepers and trawlers for the New Zealand Government. Mr Davis is a New Zealander and Mr Sullivan is sure that he will do all in his power, subject to tbe requirements of Australia, to meet New Zealand’s needs.

Mr Sullivan said that the spirit that had been shown by Australia towards New Zealand during the period regarding her needs at all times had been excellent and on every occasion that New Zealand had sought her assistance Australia had endeavoured to help. He had no doubt that the same spirit would be manifest in connection with the larger requirements he was now investigating on behalf of the New Zealand Government.

Mr Spidy and Mr Cable this afternoon visited the Cockatoo Island to discuss matters with the general manager.

Tonight Mr Sullivan and his party left for Melbourne, where further discussions will take place with Commonj wealth Ministers. Mr Sullivan said that he had much I to discuss on finance, exchange and { trade agreements that would have ( been dealt with by the Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nash) had it been possible for him to make his projected visit to Australia a few weeks ago. j Mr Sullivan was interviewed by SydI ney reporters shortly after his arrival. He outlined to them the extent of New Zealand’s war effort and the solid manner in which New Zealand people were behind the Government.