Defence of Empire.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20476, 30 November 1934, Page 6

Defence of Empire.

Successful Outcome of Discussions. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, November 29. “ A LTOGETIIER I think I can sum up by saying I regard my mission to New Zealand as having been pleasant, instructive and possibly successful,” said Sir George Pearce, Minister of External Affairs and Territories in the Australian Federal Government, who conferred last week in Wellington with the Prime Minister and Minister of Defence on questions of Empire defence. Associated with them in the discussions was Sir Maurice Ilankey, Secretary of the Imperial Committee of Defence. Sir George left Auckland for Sydney by the Monowai. accompanied by Lady Pearce and by Mr A. E. Leighton, Commonwealth Controller-General of Munitions, and Mr F. Shedden, Secretary of the Commonwealth Defence Committee. “ I am quite sure the discussions will be most helpful to both Governments,” said Sir George, “ and I appreciate the friendly co-operative spirit in which we were met. I feel sure this meeting will lead to closer co-operation between New Zealand and Australia in future.” * # The increasing importance of the Pacific in international affairs. Sir George added, made it more necessary that there should be complete and constant touch between Australia and New Zealand and other British possessions of the Pacific.