DOMINION PREMIERS.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 30 December 1926, Page 7

DOMINION PREMIERS.

ACTIVITIES ABROAD. (Per Press Association—Copyright. NEW YORK, December 28. Mr Bruce and party arrived by the Majestic in one of the worst shipping tie-ups in the history of the harbour, due to dangerous fogs and heavy rain, making navigation so hazardous that vessels will be 24 hours in docking, and many large liners will be prevented from sailing. The party, after an eight hours’ delay, was brought ashore by a Government cutter. They will lie deprived of their luggage for a day, as the cutter had only minimum accommodation. A police escort brought the party to the Baltimore Hotel, where they will stay while in New York. Mr Bruce was subjected to a two hours’ bombardment of questions by male and female reporters, who came out to the ahip before dam. Tile questions covered every conceivable topic, from his own dress to the treaty-making powers of the Commonwealth. as determined bv the Imperial Conference. NEW YORK, Dec. 28. Asked about the Australian Minister to the United States, Mr Bruce indicated that the Government has no present intention of appointing one, though it has power to do so. Concerning possible tariff arrangements with the United States, Mr Bruce intimated that the Commonwealth could negotiate trade treaties upon reciprocal terms, and possibly would be interested in such treaties wherever concrete matters were under consideration. At present there was no such reciprocal tariff. Matters between the United States and Australia were being considered. Mr Bruce indicated he would informally discuss with the proper departments at Washington, the question of obtaining greater latitude for Australian business men, concerning the privilege of stay in the United States, such stay now being limited to periods of six months, thus inflicting hardships upon individuals who, by coming to the United States, beneficially further trade and other relationships between the two countries. Mr Bruee declined to discuss the Government’s intentions as to a successor to Sir Joseph Cook (Australian High Commissioner'in Australia).

Mr Bruce commented on Australian loans, differentiating between public and private borrowing, and stressing that Great Britain was naturally first in the field, but he would gladly welcome American investors who wish to assist industrial development m Australia, and at the same time find a safe and reliable field for their investments.

Mr Bruce answered many queries demanding a vast amount of statistical information, concerning Australian migration, Railways Board, development of agricultural enterprises, etc., going to great detail 'to make Australian conditions familiar to Americans.