FAREWELL TO NEW ZEALAND MINISTERS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 233, 26 June 1919, Page 7

FAREWELL TO NEW ZEALAND MINISTERS

TO-MORROW IN THE PACIFIC,

London, June 20. Tho Hon. Thomas Mackenzie (New Zealand High Commissioner) presided at a dinner in the Conuautrht Rooms to bid farewell to the New Zealand Ministers.

Mr. Massey said that - New Zealand preferred that Britain should take over Samoa. This was impossible in tho circumstances. He believed that New Zealand would be the head of the most important. British island group in tho Pacific, and would make hoi- voice heard amongst the nations and the British commonwealth.

Sir Joseph Ward eaid the only escape from tho unparalleled. financial position of the Empire was to increase production. The leaders in Paris were determined riot to lose tho war by making a bad peace, and fully intended marching to Berlin if necessary.

"The Times," in a leader, poye a tribute to the work of Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward in the "drab and monotonous conditions of Paris, and says;— "They are casting anxious eyes towards the political situation which is develop--ing at home. Patriotio men throughout the Empire are appa'lled at the idea of a general return to the pre-war party divisions. Whether the influence' of exsoldiers will permit groupings for the old political landmarks which have been washed away by the great wave of war remains to be seon."—"Tho Times."