WELL SATISFIED

Wairarapa Age, 9 August 1935, Page 5

WELL SATISFIED

MR. FORBES ON THE MEAT AGREEMENT. STATEMENT TO INTERVIEWER AT SYDNEY. WELCOME BY MAORI TEAM. SYDNEY, August 8. Interviewed by the New Zealand Press Association on his arrival at Sydney by the Maloja to-day, the Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr. G. W, Forbes) again expressed satisfaction With the progress of the meat negotiations. He emphasised fhe reasonable attitude adopted by the British Government, which naturally had its own farmers to consider. He added that there was every evidence that the British Government was prepared to give full consideration to the New Zealand point of view. Mr. Forbes said he had seen a great deal of Mr. J. A. Lyons, Prime Minister of Australia, but had not discussed New Zealand trade relations in any degree with him. Sir Henry Gullett would be leaving the Australian delegation as it passed through Auckland and in New Zealand would examine the marketing of oranges and potatoes.

Commenting on Captain Taylor’s announcement regarding the construction in England of flying-boats suitable for the Tasman service, Mr. Forbes said the New Zealand Government was naturally most sympathetic towards the utilisation of British machines, but he was unable to express any opinion until, in conjunction with the New Zealand Postmaster-General, he had examined the reports of experts. He was positive that an air-mail service to New Zealand would be instituted in the near future. Mr. Forbes stressed New Zealand’s desire that the service to New Zealand should be a continuation of the England-Australia route. Pending a discussion with his PostmasterGeneral, he did not desire to express an opinion on the proposal to establish a separate New Zealand-Australia service prior to the inauguration of the Imperial scheme. In a brief reference to the political situation in New Zealand, Mr. Forbes said that he was naturally reluctant td express any views when still far away from the scene, but he did not regard the retention of a Labour seat by a Labour candidate as any indication of loss of ground by the Government. Mr. Forbes remarked that Great Britain was keenly awaiting the visit of the All Blacks, who were assured of an enthusiastic reception. When Mr. and Mrs Forbes arrived this morning they were welcomed by the Deputy Premier of New South Wales (Lieutenant-Colonel M. F. Bruxner) on behalf of the State Government, and Mr. W. R. Blow, Acting New Zealand Trade and Tourist Commissioner.

Mr. Kingi Tahiwi (joint manager) and the Maori Rugby football team boarded the Maloja and greeted Mr. and Mrs Forbes, with an enthusiastic haka. Mr. Forbes, in replying to their greeting, said that it was with very great pleasure that he had heard of the Maoris* performances on the field and of the worthy manner in which they had upheld the name of New Zealand. He looked forward to seeing them play on Saturday. Mr. Forbes is being entertained by the State Government at a luncheon to-day.