MR. MASSEY HONOURED

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 281, 22 August 1921, Page 5

MR. MASSEY HONOURED

PRESENTED WITH FREEDOM OF SHEFFIELD VALUE OF IMPERIAL CONFERENCES By Telegraph—Pres* Association—Copyright (Rec. August 21, 5.5 p.m.) London, August 19. Mr. Massey was presented with the Freedom of Sheffield to-day. After the ceremony in the Council Chamber, at ' which the Lord Mayor presided, Mr. Massey emphasised the value of the Imperial Conferences. Mr. Lloyd George and his colleagues had done everything possible to meet the Dominions’ -wishes. There was nothing about which they were united, and could reasonably be asked for, which was not granted. Justifying the continuance of the Japanese Treaty, he said that Japan was not compelled to assist us, but came to our aid, especially in the Pacific. It would not be in the British character to turn our backs upon those who were loyal in our greatest danger. He would like to see a triplicate arrangement between Britain, the United States, and Japan, as he believed it. would be for the good of tho world. He regretted that the idea of consultation, preliminary to tho Washington Conference, regarding the Pacific had been turned down. Mr. Massey was also entertained at lunch by Vickers Limited, and inspect ed the works. Speaking at the luncheon, he said it was necessary to strengthen the bonds of Empire. New Zealanders had not failed in this direction in the past, and would not fail in tho future. He hoped Britain’s industrial supremacy would soon bo restored, but he could see a lot of competition coming along. The Empire must put in a lot of energy. Ast regards Imperial preference, Britain was receiving Dominion goods without , charging a penny, whereas other countries blocked us by Customs duties. He trusted Britain was not going to open her doors to those who closed theirs against her in order that they might flood Britain with dumped goods. Later Mr. Massey visited York, and thence went to Darlington.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE FREEDOM OF DARLINGTON NEW ZEALAND’S DRASTIC IMMIGRATION LAWS. (Rec. August 21, 5.5 p.m.) London, August 20. Mr. Massey, at Darlington, in. accepting the Freedom of the City, declared that the immigration laws of New Zealand were the most drastic in the Empire, because they did not a’low people to come from any country except Britain without obtaining the permission of the New Zealand Government. The effect would bo that in years to come the people of New Zealand would be more of British stock than any colony in the Empire. New Zealanders were passionate in their demand for unity of the Empire, and looked upon themselves ns British citizens from now to the Day of Judgment. Tbe Empire must jealously guard its sea-power. If the connections with the Pacific went, the Empire would be at an end.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assu.