A SEND-OFF.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 June 1919, Page 3

A SEND-OFF.

Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (From High Commissioner) (Received This Day at 11.20. , a.m.) LONDON June 14. Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward were entertained at luncheon by the Higli Commissioner prior to tlieir impending departure for New Zealand. A very large number of New Zealanders and others were present. Mr Massey’s health was proposed by Mr Cathart"Wason, member of Parliament formerly of New Zealand, and Sir J. G. Ward’s by Sir Pember Reeves. Referring to the work of the Peace Conference Mr Massey said unfortunaely many diverse issues were dealt with in the early stages thus causing many delays but much important work had been done. It had to be remembered a world-wide alteration of boimaries and settlement of , varied claims of over a score of nations could not be accomplished quickly and give complete satisfaction. A stage of important developments had been reached and within a few days the German delegates will he compelled either to sign or refuse definitely and accept the consequences. He felt certain that in any case the people throughout the Empire would courageously do the right thing in any circumstances. As regards Samoa New Zealand would have preferred the British Government have taken control, but this was impossible under the mandatory system. Therefore the next best thing was for New Zealand to accept control and make sure that Samoa was never again to be under a foreign power. New Zealand he felt sure accepted the responsibility without hesitation and would do its best to make the islands prosperous and the inhabitants contented. He believed in the future, Zealand with its dependencies would become a strong British community in South Pacific. He had no fear for the future so far as New Zealand was concerned but' felt confident the people would do their share in any crisis tliat might arise. British everywhere must take up energetically a policy of development and become independent of other nations for their most important requirements.

Sir Joseph Ward said the Empire had to meet an unpnrnJlelled position as .regards finance. Only two things would help taxpayers to carry the burden. These were firstly an enormously increased production and secondly a determination to save in a. direction not hitherto contemplated. It was to be regretted that some of the groat men at the peace Conference were very often misunderstood as to what they were really doing in the extraordinary difficulties. The general feeling was that we. were not, going to lose the war by having a bad peace.