PREMIER AT HOME

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1921, Page 3

PREMIER AT HOME

THE PREMIER AT HOME

IN PRAISE OF HIS SPEECH

BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT,

LONDON, July 26. It is evident from the exceptional prominence given by the London and provincial press- to the speech of Premier Massey at Bath, and the editorial

comments, it is regarded as most misince liis first address on hi*

arrival. His speech delivered at the luncheon » after the freedom ceremony to a gathering of 300 people, who frequently cjjperer Massey’s vigorous straightout utier-

ances. . The “Daily Telegraph” says the tunction was chiefly notable for the speech of Massey, and publishes it in extenso. Premier Massey said he believed the Conference deliberations resulted m the bonds of Empire being stronger than they were six months ago. One of the problems was to get the distant countries of the Empire together am reconcile conflicting interests so that all could speak with one voice and act as one nation f The League of NMions had done good work, but lie still thought the Empire should be ready to meet an attack at sea. He hoped the Conference at Washington would he successful. He desired that all British representatives here (he was not speaking personally of Mr Hughes and himself as that might be impossible) but he wanted to see the British representatives there speak with one- voice. He instanced one of the lessons of the war was the necessity for a strong navy to keep open communications for the British Empire chain of nations round the world. If n foreign nation took possession of part of British territory and the Navy was too small to on. it to get it back, the Empire would certainly go to pieces in such cnLuinstances. He knew the difficulty of finance at this period, hut we cou d not accept the risk and we could not afford to rim. The Navy could not he built in six months like an army A Navy was >v question of life and death to the South Pacific. The present position was not safe and could not be tolerated.

EULOGISTIC COMMENT ON SPEECH

“THE TIMES” SERVICE

LONDON, duly ‘JO The “Morning Post” says 'v<-‘ eo ' ll ' mend to the serious consideration the warning of Mr Massey who stated m •plain words that in respect to naval defence the Empire was taking risks > could not afford. Never in comparison with other navies had Britain fallen so . l o w. We discern in Mr Massey s o novations an appreciation of the requirements of naval defence, which was one of the most valuable results of the Gon-

ence at Bristol. i. The “Times” says it was the spect •w of a distinguished statesman. The “Times” has a leader on the neeessitv of arrangements, whereby Australia and New Zealand should he fu heard on the Pacific problem at Disarmament Conference.