MR MASSEY IN U.S.A.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1923, Page 2

MR MASSEY IN U.S.A.

VISIT TO THE I’RFSri)FN'T. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. NEW YORK. Sept. 21. Mr Massey, New Zealand Premier, paid an interesting visit to Washington. By arrangement, lie called upon the President of the United States at White House, and was graciously received by .Mr Coolidgo, who evinced great interest in New Zealand affairs. At the conclusion of the audience, lie desired Mr Massey to convey to the people of Xew Zealand his very best wishes for their prosperity and happiness. Afterwards lie forwarded to Mr Massey a signed photograph.

Mr Massey was extremely well received at Washington. His visit created much interest. He was entertained at luncheon by tbe Secretary of State (Air Hughes), and at dinner at the British Embassy. On each occasion, distinguished American statesmen were present to meet Air Massey. lie also paid u visit to the tomb of America’s Unknown warrior. The British Hag was flown at Air Massey's hotel. The Prime Alinister sails from New York on Saturday. AN INTER VIEW. At New York, the Australian Press Association interviewed Air Massey, who reiterated that Imperial tariff preference, of which he declared himsell one of the earliest advocates, would prove one of the greatest, if not the greatest, problems of the Imperial Conference.

He added that despite the fixed agenda, there would probably he many important matters which are now unforeseen that would arise for discussion. He declared the members of the Conference reserved the right to introduce all the problems they considered important, despite the limitations fixed by the programme. He smilingly refused to discuss Mr Bruce’s, the Australian Premier, idea of a Pacific League of Nations, which lie appeared to consider impracticable. He commented upon one important aspect of his journey thus far from New Zealand, declaring that the Tahiti had completed its trip to San Francisco in more than two and a-linlf dnvs less than the usual time, the Captain and engineers being anxious to facilitate his speedy journey to England. Air Alassev thus demonstrated that the distance between New Zealand, the I nitod States and England (ould he materially diminished from the viewpoint of time, proving a vast aid commercially. He said that if tin's improvement could lie made permanent, the lienefit accruing to the Southern Hemisphere Dominions from postal facilities would repay the possibly increased cost. Air Afassey added that lie had wen very impressed with the cordiality am hospitality.of the American people, who upon all'occasions of his trans-con-tinental trip showed a great good feeling towards New Zealand. President Cool idee had given him a warm welcome, and a message of friendship to take back to the people of the Dominion.