POLITICAL LEADERS' TOUR

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3127, 4 July 1917, Page 8

POLITICAL LEADERS' TOUR

—* INTERESTING DISCLOSURES

IMPERIAL & LOCAL PROBLEMS

REPORT TO PARLIAMENT

■ TJw Prime Minister and Sir Joseph AVard. made their promised statement in the House yesterday regarding their work on their visit to the Home Country. Both Ministers made long speeches. . Mr. Massey said that in accordance .•with trie promise he had made he pio'iposed to give the Home some account of what he and his colleague had done 'on their visit to England, and he thought •that when ho had made his statement the people of New Zealand would be satis,iied that their visit had not been a jJioliday one. He proposed to divide what iliehad to say under several bondings: Hho commercial business which, they ■dealt with on behalf of tho producers : of this .country, matters connected with ■the welfare of tho soldiers, with perhaps on expression of opinion as to the outlook for the end of the war, and thepro'ceedings; of the War Cabinet and the •War Conference. With respect to the ■War Cabinet, the business transacted there was for the present a sealed book. .Members would understand that it could jiot be divulged. A .report of the War Conference bad been publi6ehd in the English papers, but be knew that the re.jiort referred only to part of the pro•coedings, and some of the business even of the War Conference would remain in the meantime confidential.

Commercial Operations. Sir Joseph Ward and he took the commercial business in hand soon after their ■arrival in England. The Imperial ■ an-. itlioritios informed tho New Zealand Government that'they intended to requisition certain of our products. This, of course, they had a perfect right to do in war time, provided they paid a fair price. That was understood. The commodities the Imperial Government proposed to requisition were first of all wool, along with sheepskins and hides. It was arranged also that we should cn'deavour to fix some. satisfactory price for the meat intended to be sent from •New Zealand this season to Britain for .war purposes and for consumption by the civil population. There was also a 'difficulty about cheese. So far as the meat prices were , concerned there was no serious difficulty. The Imperial authorities admitted that as the price of meat had gone up, and as the cost .ot production had very considerably increased there was justification for an additional price,, and that wo were justified in asking for it. The transactions were Fpread over a .--onsiderable period, but eventually agreement w.'.s reached by which the price of' mutton and lamb was increased by |d. and the price of beef by Jd. per lb. Mr. Pearce: Not enough. i Mr. Massey: I understand, that the producers of' New Zealand were so satr Ssfied with' these prices that they agreed to accept them for the period of the war.

Mr.'Pearce: It. was not a representative meeting that agreed to that. Mr. Massey: I have been informed by the Minister who presided at the conference (Mr. that the meeting at which this decision was made was the largest and most representative meeting of producers ever held here. He said that he wight to explain why a lower increase was given for beef than for mutton and lamb. It was due to the fact that Argentina could place enormous quantifies of beef on the Loudon market at. a lower price than New Zealand. This meant that while they were justified in asking for an increase by |d. in the. price of mutton and lamb, 'They-could not ask for more than \d. per lb. more for beef.

Cheese Negotiations. v .'•.There was a. serious; difficulty with regard to cheese, arid negotiations had been commenced i during last session. • The. offer made: at tliat time by the Imperial authorities was., not considered adequate, and he was of that opinion . at the time. , He agreed with the producers. AVhon they went Home they were informed by the 'Imperial authori- ;. ties.that it was intended to requisition New Zealand cheese. ■ . After some negotiation, it was at. length decided to requisition the cheese;in New Zealand on ; the understanding, 'that a fair price would be paid for it. Cheese' was at that time going up in prico. and it had ; . increased in price since then. They ' "f.omninnieated with the cheese producers in this country, arid the producers said they were willing to n«cept Od. per lb. The Imperial authorities were agreed that this nrice wire-not quite reasonable, and they gave' Old. for the season. This was the present position. He could ,'. judge only by the outlook, but he thought all our cheese and meal; would be required next season also. He saw no chance of the war ending for some, months at any rale. I'rices would have to be fixed for cheese for the coming .season. ' Mr. Wilkinson: Won't they nay us the as they are giving (he Canadians? . Air. Massey said there, was some difficulty about this vei'y uoiiit. He had sent; a. cablegram to tho'effect that the .Now Zealand producers were entitled to. the Fame price as the Canadian producers. 'To that cablegram,'lie bad received no reply. The price could not be altered for this season. A distinct promise had , been given that, no higher,price than that allowed to New ftftilnml would be given, other things being equal, for cheese coming from any other country. Tf anything of the «ort had been done, they had an opportunity of reopening the question. '

The Deal in Wool. ' The most, difficult: business had been in 7'ogard to the wnol purchase.. .As it happened several New Zealand slieepfarrners were in England at the time, and their advice was valuable. Tho agreement arrived at was that .the price for wool during tho present session pliouldbe (he pre-war nrice plus 55 per rent. In mentioning 55 per ci*iir. he wished to stale that the price na.id by the Preach Government, was at the rale of an incMse of 25 per cent., and the price in England was a 35 ner cent, advance on pre-war rates. But; time had pone nn and wool had risen in v-ilne 'n the meanwhile. Personally be tlioiurlit the price very satisfactory, 'and not at all unreasonable from the Imperial point of view. Members would, understand hie magnitude of all these transactions when they learned that if all the produce had been shipped'the return to this oountrv would have boen in the neighbourhood of thirty mifl'ens, certainly over twc.ot.v-five millions. They had gone On the principle that they were not entitled to extract from Hie Imperial G«v»rnni"nt the fast .farthing, but'only a fair price.

Shortage of Shipping. The shipping problem wn= the most difficult nf all, ami the difficulty bad b'>en accentuated bv- the submarine, war. The greater part nf the British mercantile marine was bein<» used for war purposes to carry fainnlics to the armies on the difWpnt fii'bfinsr fronts, and •">! only (ho British armies, not only the armies on the Western fr«?t. Hut the ;,....,;-.. j,, cCaloinV'T. Kirynt, M Q sopefemin. the French armies, and Ihe f?u«in'> armies. War nc«ds must comv first e.l•way:. He had ahvavs urged that ij- was possible to . Veen the armies supplied, and also to 'male nrovisi-i" for toe'l"an=port of our produce, and he had nerban s sppurpd an csct'"i «|imi ot ( : wn in f'' ; « way. Members wouhl nnde''s<an'l somelliine «f the extent of tli« difficulty if he lob) them what was haiipiiin!; in y.n!.'ln"d. I-'pi- innpv vea'-s ,pis( -t lind b"e n orT-'--ssvr to imnc-'V verv la'-'p f)uantities of , timber into End-nd. Tl,i= had I stopped because shins were not nvailab'" '. t" corn- il. and the bom" snnnlies. e? •»bie|, JliPi'p were inCipicnt. wore l.ein" TfflW. and ve rr mnidlv. Tl.e flovci--mcnl lu"l "mile i 1 known flint Hiev re niilred "anna mm fo" tim l "'- work—bir I '- men. Ihrv would be called here. Tlr

mentioned this fact to show the urgency of the need for ships. In connection with the British iron industry, it had been the custom to import great quantities of iron ore from other countries, where ore was obtainable of better quality than that obtainable in England. i\'ow, instead of using ore from other countries, tho English were using the very inferior ore available in Britain. This was the position in which the Empire stood at present, and when they would get out of it would depend on tho success or failure of 'the submarine warfare. There were quite a number of neutral ships at present idle in neutral ports, which would not take the sea while the submarine warfare was going on. As soon as the submarine danger, was reduced these ships would be available as freighters. lfe believed that the worst of tho submarine peril was over. The long days nnd clear wenther in the Xortberu Hemisphere were all in favour of the submarine, and when the days were snort and visibility was low everything favoured the merchantman. The longest day was now past, and for this reason alone we could anticipate a better state of things. This, and the ships being taken to cope with the menace, would tend to minimise the. seriousness of it. One of the most impoitant factors was the .arming of merchant ships, and Hie. use of American .destroyers and light cruisers, and the use of .fapauso ships to convoy merchantmen. Seaplanes were also bciiig used effectively against ■ submarines-. . ■

■ Britain, the heart of the Empire, was a most densely populated couutry, and the aim of the Germans was to starve Endand out. There was a. scarcity of certain varieties of food. Of potatoes there were none. Sugar was exceedingly scarce, and flour was scarce. But people, were accepting these conditions choerfullr. The cost of linns had goneup enormously, hut there was very little complaint. Of course the earning power of the peoDlo had also gone up a great deal. One could not hint admire the calmness confidence, and serenity of.the British people. They were finite prepared to put up with any hardship or niconvonienee in order to win the war. he Germans would .never starve hngland.

New Zealand Soldiers. Mr. Massey referred in some detail (o the provision made in Trance and England for the welfare and comfort ol the New 'Zealand soldiers. He said that the authorities hod appeared to be planning to place even- soldier under a root other than canvas 'during the present winter. The men were well fed, well dollied, and well guarded on the medical side. He had heard no complaints at. all about, food and clothing. The soldiers had made some complaints about postal services, and he and Sir Joseph Ward had attempted to remedy the grievances on their return to f-ondon. '1 here had been complaints about the quality of the °The- New Zealand hospitals in the United Kinedom were well equipped and adequate. The principal hospital was at AValton-on-Tliames, about eighteen miles above London. The staff there seemed to be particularly efficient The hosmW generally contained not fewer thaii 1000 sick and wounded New Zealan<Jor=. Other hospitals were situated at Hornc.hurch and Brockenhurst. and were used chiellj for convalescent cases. When the hospitals overflowed, the Chelsea No. 2 Hospital " 'ias opened to New Zenlandl patients. The whole of (he New Zealanders in England.,including the men in training at Sling Camp ami Codford Camp, were liuder the command of General Pichardson, who wa* one of the Dominion's verv best. men. He posseted ■lie confidence of officers and men, and also of the civilians of the New; Zealand colony, which was a large My. ™.V active in all waiters connected with the welfare of the soldiers The Imperial authorities would- likfi to send General ■Richardson back to the trout where he had done very good work, but the. New Zealand Government was s rnng v of opinion that, ho should be left, m his present, position. An ox-member of .1 mKiit. Colouel.G. ,T. Smith, was in commaud of tho New Zealaiulevs on Sail.', lurv Plain, and was doing very soofl worl- Mr Massev mentioned that he had seen Capt.--.in ' Coates, M.P., and Lieutenant Seddon, M.l .

Members Ask Questions. A member: Did you meet 51 r. Malcolm j '.Ross in vour travels? Air. Alassev: T mrt Air. Pcss at Uie | front, and again in I/>»<l°n, '"v™* nn ten oW leave. I heard from threo generals that; lloss is looked upon as one of the best war correspondents at the front (Laughter.) , Mr. Payne: AVc don't hear much from him out.'here, anyhow.' ■ Mr. Ma-sscy: "You/can", make news. ' trooos are in winter quarters there i. wt ,„„!, news." The Prime A Innsleradded that General Birdwood undoubtedly was one of the best officers at. the front today. General Godlcy was m command of the nrniv corns. T)r. ThacW: Why did you make a. new division of our reinforcements. Mr Afassov: "The•question sliow> the the bon. member's information is absolutely incorrect. AVc have, formed an additional brigade of inlantn- because we had the men available. 11; was right to make use of the men I he;; ""'l been sent to Europe to light, and it ;«i----no use keeping them in."amp in Migmlu'i when good 'use could he made of tlieiu, and when the Imperial ..iilhonties wished lo use thorn." No reinfnrcements were requirrd tor the extra brb'iido. The men o.f the bmado wore still \available as reinforcements. Mr. Massev paid a. tribute to the work ol the Now Zealand uursrs. wbo had done as well in their field of work as \ew Zealand's soldiers had done in the firms line.

"War is Hell." Turning to general us]ecls of the war, Mr. Massev said that, all war was bell. The men who were taking pact m the present war had no doubts on that point. The Gallipoli cnmnaißn had been a particularly bad form of hell. I feel very strongly about Gallipoli be said. "There can lie no doubt at all that the campaign was a blunder, and worse than a blunder. But even now it is almost impossible to say who was responsible. I have no doubt that some day the responsibility will be placed on the proper .shoulders, and then wo will be able to refer to the campaign in the terms, we feel inclined to use."

End of the War? "This s-.-iso'i's cnmpaisn commenced veil for Britain ami Britain's Allies." continued Mr. V.asscy. "Wo had some important successes in several fields. Franco did well,'as she has ahvavs done, and will continue to do. Ttaly has also dfme well. Tint Pussia's campaign dnrin". the present season has been a >Vaiipnintmont owing to internal troubles. Tf Pussin. had been able to strike as linn! thiv Sanson as she did last season T believe that the present year would have seer, the end of the war. IV with Tiussin out, T think an end this year is verv doubtful. I do not believe for .I,'moment that Pussia is goincr |n make a separate peace, but durimr recent months she had not been on active force in the war. This f>|; Ims been balanced to some extent bv the entrance into the war on the side of the Allies of the United States, en event of tremendous importance in Ihe history of. the war. The two branches of the Anrrln-Spxon race have come tojrolher in a great cause, and the fact cinW brt be regarded as momentous. "We all know that Germany is weakening. That fact is mil iced all ovr Iv-M-one. Vint '!•<■ Orme'w have not yet reached the stage of collapse, ami 1 do

lint believe t.hey will roach that stago lor some limp. 't.icmiiiny is now lighting for time. Slio know.-; that the Allies lire war weary. Hint the world i- war weary, and she hupps thai; bv holding out she will get heller terms of peace than who could hope lor if she ceased lighting now. I hope Hint no attempt will he made on our side to secure a premiiture Jieaco. We have got, (o win a decisive victory. A\o must place ourselves in a position to dictate tonus of peace. If wo discussed peace terms now—and I have no ilouht (leriusinv would be quite willing— the. first thing Germany would demand would he the return of her colonies, including those in the Pacific; then she would insist upon retaining the great 'territories she occupies in Europe. She would demand the restoration of pre-war trading conditions. We linve also the shipping riuestion to consider. T hope we shall not agree to go hack to nre-war trailing c .->mi;+ion=, and X liope tliat when peace conditions are discussed, in the near or tho distant future, opportunity will he ■riven for representatives of the overseas T)nmniions to he nresent and to take part in the deliberations. We have pot to remember in framing peace conditions Ci"t we lia'-e len.le a'deadly enemy of Germany. She will never forgive Britain for what lias happened in this war. She attributes all her disappointments to Britain. She says that if it had not been for Britain she would have succeeded in ovcr-runnisg Europe. Germany must ■never get an opportunity to (strike at Britain." , Before tnrninir from this subject, Mr. Massev said that at the onthwil- of war the people of ?\ T eiv Zealand, through the Government then in office, had placed themselves and all their >;<•■ winces at the disposal of the Imperial Government for the winning of the war. TTc did not believe that losses and sacrifices had made anv change, in the teniner of the nation since that time. New /enland had alreadv done -more than was -vor anticipated when the struggle began. Tf tho war continued for n considerable period even greater sacrifices would be renuired. But nothing mattered conrnareil with the winning of the war. He believed that. Vew Zealand would net broalc faith with the men who bad d'"»d for a cimi" and would not allow (lip blood that bad been shed to be shed in vain.

Imperial Affairs. ( The Prime Minister then went on to deal with the work of the Imperial Wav Conference and the Imperial War Cabinet. Honourable members would recollect that prior to the departure of lumselt ami his colleague for England no mention in the. way of any such meetings had ever been made. The suggestion had been made in Britain, hut the Government of the day hud .expressed the opinion that the time was not opportune for such meetings. However, important changes took place in Britain as the result of which Mr. Lloyd George succeeded Mr. Asquith as Prime Minister, and verv shortly afterwards Mr. Lloyd George made the announcement that for the first time in history it had been decided to establish an Imperial War Cabinet. He had heard that the statement had been made that their trip to Endand was a holiday and that no work of value to New Zealand or the liinpirc had been done, but he was sure that when the people of the Dominion knew the facts they would realise that important us was the business which they would■liave had to transact Zealand that, which they did in. Britain was far more important than anything they could have done here.

Strangers at Downing Street. The meetings of the War Cabinet were of particular importance. Although representatives of tho Dominions had previously had a chance to meet .Imperial statesmen and to discuss matters with them, proceedings had only been discussions, and never more than an exchange of opinions. On this occasion the Ministers from the Dominions had sat round the- famous table in Downing Street, exactly on the same footing as Ministers ot the Imperial Government. The Dominion s representatives had been given to understand that absolutely. It had been said that he and his colleague should have come hack to the-Dominion earlier, and he could say that they were verv anxious to do so. and had actually booked berths-% a vessel sailing for Canada in December, but he had uo hesitation in saving now that they aid the right thing by staying, and it would have been a wrong thing for the representatives of New Zealand to refrain from taking part in the Conference. (Hear, hear.) Such action would have been discreditable to the Dominion, and decidedly detrimental to the Imperial cause. They accepted full responsibility for. what they had done, and in similar circumstances they would do the same thing again. Dealing more particularly with tho work of tho Imperial Conference, Mr. Massey laid especial emphasis on the presence thereon, and also in the War Cabinet, of representatives of ihTir: The action of the people of India throughout the war period, and the great assistance they hp.d accorded the Empire, entitled them to a place in (lie. Conference. (Hear, hear.) In the past tliero had been differences between India, and various parts of.the Empire—he was' pleased to say that tho differences with New Zealand' had never been very great —but these differences could now Ixi more easily settled than ever before, because representatives of all parts of the Empire had met the representatives of India. If the war went on for any leiid.h of lime yet he was sure (hat India, would do a, great deal more to help Britain and her Allies. They could confidently expect (ilia!. (Hear, hear.)

Other Proposals, llr. Mnsso.v referred to other questions )n> hml brought; before the conference. The first wosthnt the British Government should iw thn peace negotiations demand control oC (.lint •part oi' Gallipoli where men from Britain and the Dominions lay buried. This r[iiosliivn h;id not received the.sympathetic consideration to which he thought it was entitled. In the end mi niiicndnioiil; was moved bv lord. Derby to get over Ihe difficulty, arid now it ira'n left to Ihe AViir Office to settle, the propostil ineniitime , being the f|iieslion of securing to Britain all Ihe enemy territorv where British soldiers are buried. He. hoped thai; if (he AVar Ollice did -not give a satisfactory reply that Ihe mailer would be taken in hand by the Clovecnmenls of Ihe Dominions.

One other point lie had Inentiourd at the War Conference was Ihe necessity for such precaution:; for the protection of our soldiers as would take away from t.iiem some of the. dangers from evil women in the streets of London and other towns. They were given nil assurance that this would be done, even if legislation of the British Parliament, was necessary.

The Pacific Islands. The Prime Minister coulinucd his speech when the House resumed after the dinner adjournment. He said that ho had' been unable to give all the time that Ihe importance of some of his subject's had merited. Opportunities for further statements on those subjects would come later in t!ie session. Ho could not refer in detail to the decisions of the War Conference, but he wished to express his owe. opinions regarding the disposal of Germany's Pacific colonies. New Zealand and Australia had fully made up their minds as to what should be done with these colonies,, but'there were differences of opinion on tins subject', outside Australasia. He did not believe the islands would ever revert to German rule. If thev did. then the islands would become bases for Gorman warshins and German submarines, for German aircraft and German wireless stations. The British Dominions could not face that probability with cduanimity. He would assure the 'House that more i.mnortiuce. was attached to the Pacific Islands in Britain today than in past years. He referred to (hi) services rendered Sen' Zealand by Ihe Australian lle"t. The Hritish Umpire should not allow an unscrupulous and dangerous rival to return to the Pacific, and he would voice New Zealand's opinion on that, point at every opportunity.

Meat and Shippinn. Turning to questions connected with meat. .Mr. llnssey said that Ihe War Conference had discussed the disposal of New Zealand meat in the United Kingdom and the operations of the Jlcat Trust. The War Conference had carried a resolution favouring co-operation between ihe Governments of the Einpi-e with the object of making the Empi'c self-sufficing in the mattor of meat supply. He believed that resolution shoui'i be' tead in conjunction with proposals fur Imperial preference. He hail arranged

in (ho meantime Hint the UritNi people should be kept informed at regular intervals of Iho amount of meat available for export in A'cnv Zealand. While in London he had interviewed tho Shipping Controller on several occasions, and had found him u strong-minded gentleman, who was not. concerned at all about the interests of New Zealand. Tins Shipping Controller's task was to make the best possible use of (be ships available for the, carriage of foodstuffs I" ilie United .Kingdom. Ho wanted to gel the cargoes delivered as quickly as possible, and so tended to send the ships to the nearest loading ports. That tendency hail been the basis of a considerable amount of argument and correspondence.

Conclusion. Turning to wool, Mr. Jlassey said lie was convinced that the demand for wool would remain strong for many years after the war. The world's stocks of wool bad been depleted, and the world's Hocks of sheep liad been reduced. AVar prices would cease with the war, but high prices for wool would rule during the period of post-war adjustment. The same might be said of meat and other foodstuffs. -Mr. Massey proceeded to pay a warm tribute to the" voluntary workers who had served the soldiers iu connection witn the work i of many voluntary organisations. Ho mentioned particularly the AVar Contingent Association, which had been formed by the New Zealand colony in Britain, and had done niagnifice'nt work. The association had watched tho interests of the soldiers assiduously. ' The Young lien's Christian Association also had been of enormous assistance to the soldiers, while the Salvation Armv and the Tied Cross Society did similarly invaluable work on a rather smaller scale. Tn conclusion, Mr. Masscv said that New Zealand was a small eountrv with a small population, but he could say iu all confidence that it was not behind any other eountrv in tho estimation of the British public or in other respects. (Applause.)

SIR JOSEPH WARD OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS THE FIRST AIM-THE WAR. Sir Joseph. Ward, opening his speech, reminded tho country that neither ho nor the Prime Minister asked to go to the Old Country. They had been invited bv the imperial Government to take part in purely personal discussions on matters of supremo importance regarding the (conduct of the war. Hut when thov were in England there was probably the greatest political upheaval ever known in the history of the British Isles. Within a week a powerful Government, comprising representatives of all siiactos of political opinion, was out of oilice, and a groat statesman, without the backing of his own party, but supported by many who had been, previously bitterly opposed to him, had set up a Government with the;avowed intention of winning the war. - Jt was this Government; which had invited them to remain in England to lake part: in a. TT'ar Cabinet. 'Whatever the outcome of their visit to the Old Country might be, he himself disregarded the stupid, senseless comments made hy some people, and would stake his political reputation in the claim tha?" no more important work for the Dominion had ever been done than had been done by himself and his colleague in England. (Hear, hear.) The man who went about the country now trying to make political capital was a traitor to his country, and lie would sooner sacrifice his whole political future than fail to follow the course which he thought led to New Zeay.ealuud doing its utmost towards the winning of the war. (Hear, hear.) The work of the War Cabinet had been for tho strengthening of the Empire, and had been of the most important nature, and he and' Mr. Alassey had only been doing their duty iu participating in it. He could assure the House that conditions in life in London at the -yiresent were not such that anyone wmuld chouse to stay there except of necessity. The needs of the Empire were such that it was essential for :ts welfare that there should be a thorough -understanding between the Imperial Government: and the Governments of all the Dominions.

Rights of the Dominions. The countries attacked by Germany could not have stood against her for three months 'had Great Britain and her Dominions not come in alongside them. The Dominions had sent over a million men to light the cause of the Allies. In the future the Dominions would not.be content with merely nominal representation on an Imperial Conference to consider questions which may probably have been settled a year before. The Dominions shared the trials and the burdens of tlio Old Country and they were determined to bear a share in the .-esponsibilitv for its foreign policy.. (Hear, hoar.) They would demand a substantial share in these responsibilities as the rights of free people who had done all in I heir power to achiove victory ior the Allies The provision of yearly conferences with such provision for oversea representation was proof of I1i« recognition of lSrilnin, and indeed of the who e civilised world, of Urn importance ol tho larllii,ng outposts or the Empire, and this ■mi«lit ho the solaliuni to many ol llioso who had lost their <Jeav ones on m battlefields of the other side of Hie. world A "real: regeneration was going on in' Britain, and tho nww y ( ' '"'I ili K uplifted to a previously uiilicard-ol oxtonl. The masses had done such ya liable work for the Umpire that they must never be treated again as they had linen in (he past. The Dominions had none ■wonderfully *<■« "' the war, and none l.eller than New Zealand ~, the primor!i„n of moil sent to the front. .AAlu'i■New Zealand was pledged to send mfl.flllil men ho thought it was an enormous number for such a small country, but ho was "lad that New Zealand was determined t-mIo her dutv to tho utmr.t. _ (Applause.) MMil: he 'venture the opinion hat wo wore drawing so near to the end ol iho war that. it. was worth wine for a 1 classes of the eoinniunify to forget snrii differences as Had. arisen in the conduct i of the war. mid to stand shoulder l:n shoulder, a united people.

German Colonics. At the War Conference many questions hiid been discussed which could not. be. mentioned by him. Some of them were questions which would have lo be solved after the war, and without delay. I hey were such that they would not brook dolav One of tho questions related to tho 'islands of the Pacific, taken from fiorinniiv. It would be an unthinkable proposal" to suggest that these islands should be handed over to Ormuny <>r to any other foreign Power. I his could never be tolerated by tho South Pacific Dominions. *

At the Front. It had been suggested (hat they had never been near the front on their visit to France. "Why, Air. Speaker," be said "we wore only 8110 yards from Urn front fighting line." And if our predecessors thero of the Parliamentary Party were anv nearer than that " Mr. E'ee: Sixty yards. (Laughter.) Sir Joseph AVard: Then they must liavo been at a place where there were no Germans nt all. AVc were at a placo where they had'smashed a building to smithereens the day before. Mr. T.ee's retort was inaudible. Sir Joseph AVard: "We thought there must have been someone unusual there before us. because wo found two bats there, and we didn't know whose they were." (Laughter.) Jlo went on lo say that Ihev had been m a dug-out. where n man had bis legs blown nfi' the day before. He mentioned these (and other) matters to show that they had been actually at the front, and not to show that'they had been in points of danger. They mid gone everywhere the olheers had" token them. Jle went on to pay v. tribute to tlio greu" British Army organisation; The Army was the' b"si: fed. best, equipped, and besf-cared-for .Army in the world. The transport was

marvellous. Tie paid a tribute to Lord Kitchener, and also lo Ihe Xew Zealand officers, mentioning snceially, Brip-mlier-Genera! Richard-sen. "an Al man."

Demobilisation. Ho could not' refer in detail lo demobilisation, but the scheme was nrepared. And lei; it not be supposed that it would lake oitrhloon months to brini; our men back after (he war. lie could assure tile people of thi* country ihM it would not lake fix months. This would

I)U Mil allllizillg l'l'lll: l)f 1 I"inSJKM-C, <llld would idrow limv very great, and \ei\v complete »'<'''>' H>c I'li'i"* " li,llc - Aml ", hml been arranged I hut no Aow Zealand .-iol.iit-r would he brought hail; lusrf without \isiting tin- Old Land, for, say, a \nv\i or two. Ho was sine llinl this cuunlry would not grudge the expense.

Naval Defence. Jle spoke 01 a motion lie had moved at the- War I'jiilerenue, in which the Admiralty was asked to advise as to lh u bc-,1 form ol "aval delunce lor tho Empire. 'I tin motion was in general term;, because this would not pieclmlu l.no matter being discussed by the JJomimAi tiovernmenls. The lessons of the war would have n great elieet on nuvul policy, ami it was but right that they iliouiu all know from the leaders of the Navy what the expert opinion was. Ao one could tell what changes the war would brin" about in Ike constitution of the \'avv and the- methods of ship construction". Tho British iN'nvy, grand as it was, was never built to guard this ■n-eat Empire. Tho Empire had grown too big for it. It was a fact -that tho \avv had saved the Empire, had saved civilisation, watching from its place iu the North Sea. (Hear, hear.)

Trade Questions. | He referred 10 a resolution he had moved and carried througli regarding luc eifcct ol i,lie cutting of the Panama Canal, and tliis need lor giving more attention ■to the Pacific- in lutur*. Other resolutions had dealt with designs and trade marks legislation, with naturalisation, and witn post-war trade problems, the object ol which was to prevent the enemy (from "ettliig any trade ascendency alter On the question of preference he offered a remark or two. fie was hopeful as to the success of tho idea, but he believed that its success would depend on the British fiscal policy. Mr. Wilford: Are you hopeful? Sir Joseph Ward said that he was not sure whether the old shibboleths of free trade would be spoken again without recognition of interests of the overseas countries of the Empire. It this were, done, it would be destructive o commercial cohesion, which he believed to be essential to the welfare of the Empire as a whole. Hut he did not believe that the Empire could live to iteelt It could not now leave out ol account the. Alh*, or even some of the neutrals. . . theie were not enough customers .within the Empire, it would be bad business to cut out other customers outside ol it.

Sovereign States. Sir Joseph Wurd «>id «"■* *»"> Conrerencu had not attempt*to|M fiillv with the question, ol the lu.« constitution of the Empire. It uu T<iVrral tlv.it enormously important que.-,-Jou to a future Imperial Conlerei.ee, h°t had placed on record a resolution «er h£ that anv ndheme must provide fa I ""autonomy of the Dominions ol lie n.piiv. -New Zealand -would never vi Id iiv part of the full power* ot selfalter our Constitute toiTLepl. Ward. They could do so ,„i t if they did they would lake tne 11,0 resolution adopted by the VViCoiierei.ee relating to the «!».* Hip mineral resources oi the isnusi 1 mpire and its Allies, with the. object of Renting the enemy conn r>« e*e aglin securing- control of ita 1 i< teia' supplies. The . BvHi.sh side, ot the o - * Sio.i iviis already in existence. InKaS was W-t ling llio resources of he liiiiliu-e, uMoi was "liewl to contain greater minora e Ith than all the other countries of work! put together. An nnportan result of the conference had been the arran-in- of measures that would abnlfel the injustice of double W>««ttta « f income tax bv citizens ol the J'.mpne. T Conference had also taken- «eps to potecf"he States of the Empire from fie ''ff.. mping" <>f <""W """% d "'" ,! a rml of twelve months following the clo=e of the war, thus providing time for the consideration of the Empires future fiscal svstem. After referring to the meat trade, Sir Joseph Ward emphasised the importance of the improvement of mail services, a matter that had ■ceived-the attention of the War Conference, and quoted the resolution ff the ronforence relating to telegraph serves and the distribution of Imperial news and the general improvement ot Imperial communications. Time ban not permitted the consideration of some of those resolutions.

War Medals. The. question of «ar mednls had teen raised. Ho and Mr. Massey .ad urged i„ Lundon that some »n«!ial recop": lion should he made ot tho 0»W°1 ,iinu)ai»n bv the issue ol a special r-tda or bar. Tho Army authorities appeared to think this proposal iinpracticable, on tl lo ..round that 1 it would bo impossible to recognise onu battle without ;sitnilarlv recognising many others. the \Uir Office proposed that there, should bo two medals, a British medal and an 111(ernalional medal. -Very many millions „V these medals would bo required. Re thought that. -N'ew Zealand, with the consent of the Imperial authorities, should issue a special Chilltpoli medal to Rs own men. (Hear, hear.) .Mr. With tho consent of tho Sovereign. Sir Joseph Avard: Acs, with the consent of tho So/eroign. The (.lalhpoli campaign has a place of its own in tho history of this war.

Soldiers' Graves. Keferriii" to the question of (.oUlicre 1 "raves Sir Joseph Ward said that the work (tone by the Prince of Wales's Commission had been excellent, and all proper provision had been made lor the marking and upkeep of graves in all sectors of the war. . Sir Jo-epb Ward said that the Imperial Conference had been of the uliiiust importance. Une «f the B m,t '^» lts "'' ' 11,8 war was that it had brought into power, for the lirst time, in history, a (Jovernmeiit favourable to Imperial preference, nnd when this policy was embodied m U-'islntion it would be of the utmost bi'nelit lo the Dominion and the whole Empire. His visit to the Old Country had been of iiiestiinab'.o value. Ho and Mr Massev bad gone to the British Kevcnito Department with a proposal that Ui» War Profits Tax should not be payable both in Jlrilain and in any one of the Dominions. Kur instance, a, man mi"hl have to pay tho : lax in i\'cw Zealand, where it is i.'i per cenl., aiid also in England, where it is Ml per cent. He hud been able to arrange that it would be paid in only one country, and that in which the tax would come to the greatest amount. In'connection with the raisin" of loans, also, he had. been able to save the. Dominion the sum of JMiIO.COD in brokerage and other fees. He had also arranged for the investment of .t.1.00n.0n0 in the British War Loan ftt 5 per cent., with a discount of 5 per cent. The loan was payable in RS years x and the British novern'ment could' nay it in n shorter term if it so desired. Dcilin" with wool. meat, and cheese. ■ Sir Joseph Ward said that for wool and meat h° had been able to get a" extra EI! Tall Of)fl for the producers of the I)i----m'iiiio'i This was a thing which hardlv could have been done by cable or correspondence, and orovod tho value -f having a responsible jrmister on the smt Tn eeneliision. he said that nltliomrb \-.nv Zealand was aluuil to enter upon what would proHbh- be it- ne-t dinjeuH rear he "'a-- optim'sHe. enniivh t-i |l""'r ili'it' IV> »■■"• would be eoiu-bided ll'ive'ir -ind I'int next vear th"v would "„,nnt in \\'o"ii>"lon nroud nM hiiP'iy fl.nt'victory had been achieved by the '.Allies. ' , Tn response to r-viucsfs i„. ,„e"-i)nr. ■\] T M-i=---v acwed I" '"t n c 'de n«>:t dmfor' Ibo discu=--ion of the statements, and fhe House rose at. 10 p.m.