MR FORBES ARRIVES IN WEST AUSTRALIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19271, 7 January 1931, Page 1

MR FORBES ARRIVES IN WEST AUSTRALIA.

SAYS N.Z. CLIMATE IS BETTER THAN CANADA’S (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) PERTH, January 6. Mr Forbes, Prime Minister of New Zealand, accompanied by Mrs Forbes and party, arrived to-day by the Ormonde from London. Mr Forbes was looking, and confessed himself, in the best of health after a remarkably pleasant voyage. Mr Forbes was met at the wharf by his brother, Mr Len Forbes, who is now farming in West Australia, his brother-in-law, Mr P. Ledsham, originally a New Zealander, Mr C. Taylor, of Christchurch, and Mr E. M. Saunders, formerly of Christchurch. Interviewed by a representative of the New Zealand Press Association, Mr Forbes said that his visit to the Imperial Conference had been invaluable from the standpoint of an interchange of views of the dominions’ representatives, but the practical outcome of the Conference had been somewhat disappointing, owing to the hard-held political beliefs of Imperial representatives. However, there could be no mistaking the rapid development of a distinctly different viewpoint among the British people. The Conference would undoubtedly help forward the crystallisation of a much broader Imperial policy. A foundation had been laid for important developments, possibly leading to better trade understanding and closer association of the constituents of the Empire, and it would not surprise him if welcome events moved more rapidly than originally expected. Kis journey through Canada had left an impression that big things were looming there. Huge areas had yet to be brought to fruition and only opening chapters had so far been written of Canadian progress. The chief drawback was the climate, which compelled quiescence during the winter, hampering stock raising. New Zealand, by comparison, enjoyed two seasons and for attractiveness, his Homeland was an easy first. He said that he was most anxious to get back to New Zealand as many questions were being held up there pending his return. Mr Forbes, along with Mr Scullin, was the guest of the West Australian Government at luncheon, but beforehand Mr Forbes was motored through the city and to the new trotting course, where he saw many pictures of former New Zealand horses which had done well in important events in West Australia. Mr Scullin, interviewed, said that while abroad, he had learned a great deal about the world depression. Representatives of all parties in the British Commonwealth were drawn closer together at the Imperial Conference and the view generally shared was that it would require the earnest efforts of every section of the community to place their countries on the high road to prosperity. Mr Scullin and Mr Forbes were welcomed on board the Ormonde by the Australian Minister of Defence, Mr A. E. Green, and by a number of prominent men.