MR. MASSEY IN LONDON

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 227, 20 June 1921, Page 5

MR. MASSEY IN LONDON

A VERY BUSY WEEK-END

SOCIAL INVITATIONS DECLINED

®y Telegranh—Preus Association—OopyrlrlH (Rec. Juno 19, 11.5 p.m.) London, June 18. Mr. Massey had a very busy week, being almost continuously confined to his Office on Dominion business, which is very considerable at present, apart from thu Conference preparation, entailing many interviews. Finance, shipping freights, wool profits;' and produce matters are engaging his close attention. Invitations to public and social functions continue numerous, but have had tv be declined all this week, except the dinner at the Hous?- of Commons given by the Empire Development Committee 1 and tho annual dinner of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, both of which are important. At the formes? Mr. Churchill delivered a notable speech on Empire affairs. In welcoming Mr. Massey he said: “He is an old friend and no fair weather friend. Wo knew him when the storm raged and the waves ran high. We saw him here always resolute, always cool and confident. Those who knew what the New Zealand Division did in the war—a single division, kept always at. the fullest strength • and pushed continually into fiercest battle—knew it had gained a reputation second to none." (Cheers). At the Chambers of Commerce dinner Str. Massey was tho chief guest. On responding to the toast of the British Commonwealth, he was accorded an ovation. Mr. Massey urged greater development of inter-Empire trade. He snowed Flint Britain could obtain more produce and raw materials from the • Dominions. New Zealand had practtsed what she preached, for she took from Britain and otjier portions of the Empire in 1919 twenty millions out of tho thirty millions of her total imports. Mr. Massey 'detailed the large orders for hydro-electric plant, railway locomotives and wagons, and rails placed in Britain. (Applause.) He hoped that British trade interests woiijd do all possible in fcliis direction. The speech was well re-t reived. The Conference will open under the presidency of Air. Eloy:;: George at 10 o'clock on 'Monday morning in the Cabinet rooms. —Aus.-N.2J. Cable Assn.