FOR THE EMPIRE.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 September 1923, Page 1

FOR THE EMPIRE.

AIR AIASSEY SAILS. STRENUOUS TRIP EXPECTED. A FINAL AIESSGAE. AY ELLINGTON, Aug. 29 “1 am leaving tor England within a verv little while now to attend what I consider will be the most important gatherings of their kind ever held,” said the Prime Alinisfei shortly before the Tahiti sailed last night., “and iL is comforting to me to know that 1 go with the full accord of every member of both branches of the Legislature, and, 1 believe, of every man and woman in the Dominion.

“Don’t let anyone run away with the idea that the mission I am about to undertake will be of the nature of -a joy ride. It will not. 1 will appreciate the sea voyage after the strenuous times recently passed through, hut iny stall' and T will have to work solidly and steadily almost the whole of the way Home, anil once wc get to London there will he no escape from hard work till we again board the steamer for New Zealand. However, my aim is worthily to represent New Zealand by doing my utmost in the interests of this, my country, and of the Empire.” DEFENCE .MOST IMPORTANT. Mr Massey talked interestingly on several of the main subjects which are to be discussed by the Imperial Co.nferenee, and he emphasised the fact that the decisions are subject to ratification by the countries concerned. Defence, Mr Massey said, was, perhaps the thing we were most concerned with at present. “I do not see any reason for the maintenance by New Zealand of a standing army of any size. 1 think it will he sufficient if wc keep the nuclei of a standing army, for il ever war is forced upon us again I am sure wo will have no difficulty in finding the men required. Of course, 1 hope the need will never arise, hut if it dees, the men of New Zealand will do their duty as they have done it in the past. For the time being it appears to me that naval defence is the direction in which our efforts should run. Tile great British Empire as wc find it to-day would not have been possible were it not for the Navy, and we should never lose sight of that important fact. Constituted as the Empire is a navy is of paramount importance to her, for it is our first duty to maintain the connections between the various portions of the Empire. Moreover, the fact cannot be got away from that tbe greatest factor for peace today is a strong navy in the bands of the British people. I am satisfied Britain will never go to war except to defend her territory, or her people, or in conformity with one of her treaties, but war may come, and while the possibility exists wc cannot do otherwise than be reasonably prepared. THE lAIAHGR ATTON QUESTION. “An important subject to be discussed at tbe Conference is immigration. and while T can spare time to touch on this only very briefly now, I desire to make it clear that, as far as possible, we should keep this a white man’s country. Immigration will receive very serious consideration from the Conference, anil I trust sincerely that something satisfneory and beneficial to all parties will be arrived at.”

IA [PER lAL J 'REFERENCE. "Would you care to say anything on the subject of Imperial preference V’ "Yes. 1 am glad of the opportunity though again I must lie brief. This is one of the subjects that "ill come before The Economic Conference, and it is a question that I take a great into io s i in. 1 am pleased to say that during recent years there bus, been a greater tendency than ever before for the different countries of the Empiio to come together in connection with commercial matters and to make ; rI'iingemoiits for mutual benefit ns iar ;ts Customs duties are concerned. Let me give this reminder: that while "C have great jiiivileges as citizens of the Empire, we have also certain duties and responsibilities, which we must perforin. I do not refer to any piirtieul.i.i- portion of iho Ivmpiie when J say ttial if a country closes its deals against us by means of tile imposition of heavy Customs duties, it is nothing short of folly on our part to open our doors to them and allow them to dump their goods here tree of duty. It "e are going to continue t’Uu policy wc niav find ourselves in the position the Empire "as in at- ' tbe outbreak of iviir. 1 think that it is the duty -J the people of the Empire to help 'me another where they can.”

FAVOURS AN EMPIRE CO UNCI I

“Ale you still of the opinion Hint tbe institution of an Empire Council "a iff,l fie i lia of the best methods of dealing with Empire problems?” “1 am. I think it is one of the tilings we slipuld keep in view and work for. I do not mem a Council altogether apart, from thoXiovommem of the. United Kingdom, but associated with it, mill able to give its whole time and attention to the affairs ul the Empire, rather than that those affairs .should in any • sense be secondary considera t ions.” WORK OF THE SESSION. Air Massey said bo was very well satisfied with the work of the session. The period of sitting bad through force of circumstances been . briefo.

than usual, but the House had worked well asd a great- deal of useful legislation had been passed, legislation which be was sure the country would very soon feci the benefit of. Some of Me matters that had not been completed were contentious, but lie hoped members would during the rec-oss study the problems these contentious subjects presented so that when they were before the-House in the session of next year a solution might be arrived at as speedily as possible. NEXT MEETING OF PARLIAMENT.

Asked if tie thought it would be necessary to convene an early session of Parliament after his return front England, Afr Massey said that J:c would, of course have to lie guided hv the course of events, but unless anything unusual arose he was at mo-

sent of the opinion that the Horse would assemble at the ordinary time towards the end of June. Afr Ma«soy expects to reach England at about the beginning of October, and he may return to New Zealand early in the New A"ear.

"MY FINAL WORD.” “I must- be off.” said New Zealand's busiest citizen, “.try final word is tin’s: I trust that llii-s wonderful land of ouis "ill continue to prosper, and that ‘he near future will see even greater iecords established than have been made in the past. AVe have a marvellous country. I.ct us do all in our power peacefully to develop and improve it, mid let us hope we shall long be allowed peacefully to enjoy the fruits. I am coming back to Now Zealand. 1 bat is definite, and there is no truth in the statement to the contrary’ that ivo* been circulated. Good-bye.”