CONFERENCE -WITH AUS3TRALIAN COUNCIL OF TA K
This afternoon representatives of the Australian Council of Retailers discussed problems currently facing the Australian economy with the Prime Minister and other senior Cabinet Ministers.
The Council was represented by Mr. T. A, Pettigrew, President, Sir
Norman L. Nock and Messrs Frank Munro, R. OtLoan, C. C. Burfield,
Cr. Leo Curtis, Messrs Griffin and C. H. Langley.
P. M. No, 7/1962
This morning representatives of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of Australia submitted to the Prime Minister and other senior Commonwealth Ministers their views oil the present state of the economy, and their suggestions for future action by the Government in both the short and long term.
BUSH 1PIRES IN TICTORIA
The tragic bush fires in Victoria have shocked us all, and I extend my sympathy to those who have suffered bereavement, loss of their homes or personal distress in other ways.
62/ 009
P. M. No. 6/ 1962
P. M. No0)., 4L96
VICTORIAN BUSHFIREJS
Statement by the Prime Minister, the Pt. Hon. R. G. Menzies
The Commonwealth Government has made available to the
Victorian authorities the services of the Army, Navy and A -4ir
Force to assist in any wi~ ay they can in the fight against bushfires
in Victoria. Yesterday the Treasurer Mvr. Holt, on behalf of the
Commonwealth Government informed the Victorian Government of the
Commonwealth's concern and its anxiety to help.
Late last night the Deputy Premier of Victoria Mr. Rylah,
P. M. No,. 3/ 1962
The Government has now issued a series of invitations to industry and commercial organisations to attend meetings in Canberra with Ministers. These invitations arise from the decision which I announced in December, to the effect that the Government would wish to have discussions with industry representatives, in order to obtain their views in a direct fashion on current economic matters and generally to set up closer contacts with industry in its various aspects.
The details of the invitations issued are as follows:
P.M. No. 2/1962
1. The Cabinet has devoted a long time to a review of the more recent developments affecting Indonesia and West New Guinea. It was greatly assisted by a full factual review submitted by the Minister for External Affairs. The President of Indonesia has not only repeated his nation's claims to the sovereignty of Wes* L' New Guinea, but has made statements of intention to assert those claims by force of arms unless the Netherlands gives ground.
The Prime Minister announced today that Mr. RUSSELL DRYSDALE had accepted an invitation to become a member of the Commonwealth Art Advisory Board,
The Prime Minister recalled that Mr. DRYSDALE had begun painting in 1935 under GEORGE BELL and that he had gained a reputation in Australia and abroad for his work. He is represented in all Australian Galleries, in the Tate Gallery, London, in the Metropolitan Museum of New York and in private collections in Australia, Europe and America.
CANBERRA.
11th January, 1962
The Prime Minister announced today that the Government had decided to establish a centre for Aboriginal studies.. The centre would be known as "The Australian Institute for Aboriginal Studies".
WODONGA-MELBOURNE STANDARDISATI ON
Message for " AGE" Supplement by the Prime Minister, the
Rt. Hon. R. 6. Menzies
The completion of the standard gauge railway link
between Wodonga and Melbourne is an event of great significance
for Australians everywhere.
The immediate advantages which it confers on the
industrial south-east of our great continent are apparent, for
elimination of the break of gauge between New South gales and
Victoria should considerably enhance the volume of commercial