OUR MINISTERS IN LONDON

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2915, 30 October 1916, Page 6

OUR MINISTERS IN LONDON

MR MASSEY AND SIR JOSEPH WARD

GUESTS OF THE COLONIAL INSTITUTE Australian-New Zealand Cable AEoooiation. (Rec. October 29, 5.5 p.m.) London, October 28. Mr. Massoy and_Sir Joseph Ward were tho guests of honour at tho Colonial Institute's luncheon at the Hotel Cecil. Lord Plunket presided, and referred to the heroic deeds of tho New Zealanders and the patriotic assistance the Dominion gave before tho war. The guests typified a stione North of Ireland man and an equally strong South of Ireland man. Their supporters in New Zealand were uniting in this national crisis, and he hoped that Ireland would do likewise.

Mr. Massey, responding, said: "Wo allowed German bounty assisted goods to stifle our industries while she was preparing a great army and navy io smash us. She financed these preparations partly from the grofits she hadl made in Australia, anada, and other parts of the Empire." It was only by a miracle that her plans were unsuccessful, so ho hoped wo would profit by the lesson. He trusted to every Empiro Legislature to make such Tolly impossible. iu tho futuro. Our motto should be: "British trade for British people," always remembering that wo act considerately to our allies. Another after-war problem was the amendment of tho Constitution giving the Dominions that voice in defence and foreign affairs to which they are entitled. The greatest question for decision was whether tho present form of the Imperial Parliament should be continued. On that depended the form which the Dominions' representation would take. He outlined New Zealand's scheme' to assist soldiers to' take up land. , Sir Joseph Ward said that Now Zealand would have a surplus of two millions for the current year', which'would be invested in Imporial Treasury bondis. Ho also hoped to repay some of tho Imperial war'advances. New Zealand's assets totalled £365,000,000, a good setoff against her indebtedness of £110,000,000.' They had provided a : Sinking Fund for, all war and general loans. The finances of the country were on the soundost basis. Britain after the' war should consider some system of reconstruction to keep her trade as far as possible within the Empire. The generous impulses of the past, whoreby the British people had helped Germany to build up a great overseas trade, should bo directed to countries within the Empire, to prevent Germany ever again winning out againßt Britain.

IMPERIAL QUESTIONS FOR SETTLEMENT. ' ("The Times.") (Rec. October 29, 5.5 p.m.) London, October 28. The "Times" comments:—"The lun-' cheon to Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph "Ward provided a timely reminder of tho problems 'that are facing the country when tho war is over. Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward represent a Dominion doing its utmost to support the Empire with men and money. They have attended Cabinet, and must know everything about the naval and military position. Moreover, they have a certain detachment of view regarding the future of tho Empire. They, will not bo content to leave all questions about the future of the Empire in abeyance until the war is over. They want, the British people to think about them now." RETURNING SOLDIERS FAREWELLED. Australian-New Zealand Cable Aseociation. (Rec. October' 29, 5.5 p.m.) London, October 28. Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward farewelled.'a contingent of invalided New Zealanders at Waterloo Station.