MISSIONS IN UNITED STATES

Southland Times, Issue 24440, 21 May 1941, Page 2

MISSIONS IN UNITED STATES

FAREWELL TO MINISTERS An indication that although they were embarked on separate missions connected with New Zealand’s war effort, each would co-operate with the other, was given by both the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, a member’ of the War Cabinet and the Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone, at a complimentary function at the Auckland Harbour Board Office. It was stressed by Mr Coates that although two Ministers were going to America, neither was leader. His selection to conduct negotiations regarding the supply of munitions had not been anticipated by him. He regarded it as a great honour and he hoped that as an outcome New Zealand would be helped in the way of defence. It had been necessary to adapt quickly the country’s economy to the needs of the moment. Britain, from whom New Zealand had been accustomed to obtain most of her needs, had to put up with conditions hard to imagine in the Dominion. London was practically in the same condition as Ypres during the Great War, and there were hundreds of New Zealanders who could remember Ypres. Mr Langstone said he and Mr Coates were visiting America as comrades with no question of who was the leader. The call at present was for action and unity. Co-operation all round was necessary if the mighty problems that had arisen were to be solved. There was the need today to give the boys who were leaving New Zealand to fight equipment that was better than that possessed by the enemy. Hie heart of American democracy was with Britain, and both New Zealand and Australia were grateful for the assistance given and the attitude of America to the aggressors in the present conflict.

MINISTERS’ PORTFOLIOS (Special) WELLINGTON, May 20. It is likely that the Minister of Marketing and Agriculture, the Hon. J. G. Barclay, will look after the portfolio of lands during the absence of the Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone, in the United States of America. When the Minister of National Service and Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, visits Australia on his munitions supply mission, it is probable that the Hon. E>. Wilson, 1V1.L.C., Leader of the Legislative Council, Minister of Broadcasting, and Associate Minister of National Service, who has been closely associated with the administration of national service, will take that portfolio and also that of transport.