SPEECH BY MR MASSEY.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 October 1923, Page 3

SPEECH BY MR MASSEY.

f.o.'P'Kf T OK AMKKICAX BKKK. VCR It I'I.TPIIAI. ( LASS A XKCKKSITY. iUSTIIAUIAN AND N.Z. C'AUI.K ASSOCIATION '.Received ibis dav at 8.3 b a.m.) LONDON. Oct. Sir Jnmi's Allen presided at the Ausiralian and New Zealand Club’s him-li-to Ml Massey at the Hotel Cecil. Mr Massey ill replying io llie- toast of liis lu-ji it I:. indicated that the reduction* io taxation made lasi session p, v,., v Zealand afforded prool thai lli" eoiiiitry was in a good financial position. ill' believed the outlook Io be satisfactory. Mr Massey expressed regret at find-

i>• {lint so mtioKs :i dioprrssiuii in llie nuitlicrinnd, which, if it lasts, will undoiihieiliy alfei t the producing countries overseas, lie believed that If i t were possible to reduce taxation in Britain that it wold,l do more than anything else to bring lhe country hack to prosperity. But, with its tienietidoiis liabilities, he was afraid that, no considerable- reduction could ho expoeted. New Zealand’s requirements in tlm way of materials for public works dilling the next two years amount to four millions sterling.

which proved there was nine ocpicssjoii in Hie Dominion. I hey were developing the country for an increased papulation. Perhaps no industry ill |l,!iain fell the depression more than agriculture and it had also telt the competition ot Bmuh American meat product ion. New Zealand, too, felt this competition acutely in the lastfew years. "The plain fact is.” he derhuvd. "ihat unless something is done U, remedv the present difficulty New Zealand will have to go out or beet production.” (out inning Mr Massey said:—-'What is going on in connection with inroign

com net itioii raises the question ol migration. We could always do with hard working and industrious migrants. Anvone with such qualities was hound to succeed. There is always plenty of employment for men and hoys in the

dairying industry. The agricultural class is the one which laid the foundations of the overseas dominions and such people are now more than ever necessary for the development of these countries. As citizens of the same

Empire we have got to make up our minds that we must assist each other far more than has been done in the past. If we carry out this principle "el shall not be troubled with a serious or j lengthv depression." Mr Massey predicted that the recent reciprocal customs agreement between .Australia and New Zealand would do a tremendous amount r.f good and bring these countries closer together. He thought that "the time at the disposal of the Imperial Conference would not permit of all the business that should be amended being dealt with, but he

was hopeful tha't' good results would emerge. Personally, he favoured the Conference meeting every two years and that it should lo given a definite status. He was sure satisfactory results would accrue from the Economic Conference, especially as regards communication-. It had to he remembered that a first class Empire requires a first, class defence. "We must accept willingly and cheerfully the. responsibilities which devolve upon us ax British citizens.” he said. Air .Massey said that he did not exjjcct any change to the constitutional position. Personally, he would like to go further with the idea of partnership. "When the occasion requires the Empire should speak with one voice and with no uncertain sound." There were two-schools of thought. One comprised of those who looked with equanimity to tiic possible disintegration of the Empire and the other included ilii-se who. in the majority, desired to strengthen il- unity, lie scarcely needed to sav Unit New Zealand stood with the latter.