BACK FROM ENGLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 26 August 1921, Page 3

BACK FROM ENGLAND

SIR W. BERRIES RETURNS. WELLINGTON, Aug 24. Tho lion. Sin. William Merries; Rid merly Minister for Customs. Labour, and Native Affairs, arrived in Wellington by the Rimutakn yesterday Doming, from his health trip to tile Old Country. Interviewed afterwards by a “Times” representative, Sir William Merries said:—“l was only present at four meetings of the Imperial Conference; and therefore, efinnot say much about it, except that it was an experience to meet all the great statesmen of Britain and the Dominions. The attitude ol tho English statesmen seemed to he that of willingness to give every possible iiiluriuation to the Dominion representatives; and even sitting in the roohi il was the ancient and well-known Cabinet room in Downing street, with the picture of Sir Robert Walpole looking down on you was an experience in itself. “I think 1 may say that everybody 1 met stated that New Zealand was looked upon as one of the most loyal of the Dominions; and everyone was loud in praise of the soldiers we sent Home. I found the general leoling in political and financial circles wax' that Mr Massey had made good and was looked upon a» a safe, solid matt for tho Empire. I bad a good opportunity of meeting some of the principal men. both in political and financial circles, and of ascertaining their views. “Unfortunately owing to the coal strike, and shortage of trains, [ was not able to go about the country as I would have liked to do. M.v health has greatly improved, both Irom the sea voyages and from my taking a rest in the Old Country. 1 have no special plans in view now tlialt I have returned to New Zealand. Tt will depend upon the advice given by mv medical advisers whether 1 take office or not. Mr Massey was looking very well and was in very good spirits when I saw him at Home ; but lie was, of course, having a very busy time of if. Airs Massey was also looking very well, and Miss Massey was enjoying herself very much in the Old Country. “1 had a very pleasant return trip. In fact both going Home and coming back, we had fair weather voyages. The canal route, 1 may say, is weil worth taking. The scenery on the canal was much above my expectations; and the eiiual is, indeed, a wonderlul piece of work. To sec the way they get 'these big ships through the locks is an education in itself. We called at Pitcairn Island coining hack, » liich is not often done. Of course, we could not anchor there. It is just an open roadstead, but the people came out in whaleboats for the mails a lid to sell fruit and so forth to the passengers. “Wo brought out a. good many immigrants to New Zealand; and while ;At Home, I found that a great miuty people are thinking of coming out to. make their homes here. The High Coinmossioner’s office was kept very busy by the inquiries made by people who want to come To New Zealand. I was much struck with the advantages of the new position of the High Commissioner's office in Elio Strand, instead of in Victoria street. It is in a firstclass position and 'there were always crowds looking in at the windows, especially when our apples were being exhibited. “The Commissioner’s office seemed to mo at the present time to he extremely well conducted. The High Commissioner (Sir James Allen) was looking very well, and enjoying (d* »ew "'ork. too. I had myself a good many inquiries from people with money who wanted to come out here as settlers. New Zealand’s nayie stands high with the people at Home. The only d'fliculty is the long voyage, and, of course the cost. Electrical engineers seem to he turning their attention to New Zealand. in view of the hvdro-electric development here; and T had quite a number of inquiries from people employed in electrical works as to what the prospects were in the Dominion. Sir Ayilliam Merries added that he will he taking his seat in the House of Representatives when Parliament opens on September 22nd. He hoped to be able to run up to Ta.uranga mid. To Amlin, before the session, possibly next week ; but lie might have to run ever to Australia instead.