HON. W. F. MASSEY

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1921, Page 2

HON. W. F. MASSEY

STATEMENTS IN LONDON

IUSTIIAI.IAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

LONDON, May 28

Mr Massey is the first Overseas Prime Minister to arrive in London for the Imperial Conference. To this fact probably is due to some extent an exceptional into esr that is being taken in bis presence in Loudon. Almost all be principal papers have published accounts of his arrival and reception, and subsequently interviews on New Zealand affairs. The greeting tendered to New Zealand’s Premier was most enthusiastic at the luncheon given by the Australian and New Zealand Club, at wine 1, l,be attendance was at least 300. In addition to the already cabled names of those present, were Generals Hamilton, Henderson, and Fabian-Ward. There were also present prominent New Zealanders, including Sir Joseph Ward, Sir John Findlay.

Mr Massey, who was greeted with cheers, spoke for three-quarters of an hour on New Zealand and also on Empire topics. He outlined what has been done by the New Zealand Reparation Department and dealt also with finance. He said the Dominion was prosperous. It probably was more prosperous, he claimed than was any other part of the Empire. Mr Massey said he had information of last year’s New Zealand surplus. It was over £6,000,000." Though the Customs and income tax revenue must he expected to fall, he did not anticipate with the economies that were being made, the substantial reserve, and the carry over—any difficulty in making ends meet.

Mr Massey gave details of hydroelectric undertakings, the progress of railways, and of works generally. He said provision was tieing made towards relieving unemployment. He referred to what had been done for immigrants. Mr Massey said he wished to contradict the i'b-i’s. that were prevalent in some quarters that many of the citizens of the Empire were inclined towards separatism, or republicanism, of which, he said, he could find no signs in Canada or in Australia, and certainly not in New Zealand, where 99 per cent o' 4 population were enthusiastically loyal. He was proud of his British connection. Mr Massey laid emphasis upon the complaints of the Dominion producers who were being exploited by the high shipping freights, which, he said, if allowed to continue would lead to trouble. He hoped the Empire Shipping; Board would lie able to all that was expected of it in this direction.

Mr Massey, who is now in vigorous health, was in the best form, and 'i‘speech evoked frequent applause and cheers at ike conclusion. The press has given prominence to various portions of the address.

The “Daily Chronicle” commenting on Mr Massey’s speech, says that there are obvious inconveniences in his suggestion that two out of three meetings of the Imperial Conference should be held overseas. It says:—“Any Dominion capital would be less central than Lonfor most of the other members of the Empire, but the proposal that a conference should be held in the Dominions from time to time is worth consideration. Such visits would be as instructive to-our statesmen as thev would be convenient to some Premiers.”