NEW ZEALAND

Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1926, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND

PRESS DELEGATES- FLATTERINC REFERENCES. AT GATHERING OK NOTABLES. [Australia it N.Z. Cable Association.J (Received this day at 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, February 9. -Many New Zealanders, including Sir Thomas AfacKenzie, attended Sir James Allen’s dinner welcoming the returned press delegation. Other notables were Sir Ernest and Lady Rutherford, Air 11. G. Wells, Viscount Jellicoe and Viscountess Jellicoe, Lord and Lady Liverpool and Sir Joseph and Lady Cook. Sir James Allen expressed the opinion that a repetition of such visits would inevitably influence commerce and induce British sportsmen to visit New Zealand.

Surveying migration Sir James Allen * instanced the sheep-owners’ scheme as tho most successful. Me pointed out that the first twelve girls under that scheme would shortly sail. British manufacturers should not spare their efforts to eater for New Zealand requirements. They should watch the development of the secondary industries and when opportune establish branch factories. Meanwhile, they should remember any unfair advantage that the British manufacturer might take of New Zealand goodwill would be very detrimental to tho growth of their

trade. Sir James honed the press delegation would use their opportunities to educate British public opinion to adopt an attitude of sympathy and patience with the Dominions as they expanded and felt their strength. Lord Burnham (Chairman of the Empire Press Delegation) described New Zealand as the homeliest and best balanced of all dominions. “I have responded to toasts so frequently during the last eight months that, now I am

Home. I expect I shall find myself rising to thank m,v wife for her splendid hospitality,” said Lord Burnham.

‘‘The New Zealand press is a great force for good in the national life. Tts association with tlie Australian press enables its to command a news service which can keep their people adequately in touch with Imperial affairs. Although London remains the key to the Empire New Zealand holds the key to the Empire in the Pacific. Continuing Lord Burnham said : “The Afaoris are the most attractive type of aboriginals with which British civilisation comes in contact. Their reconciliation to British rule is one of the finest achievements in the Empire’s story and tlieir incorporation in the social and political life is a triumph to the democratic rule of the Union Jack.”

Lord Burnham doubted whether enough was being done to increase the man power of New Zealand. If she could increase the assisted passages to fifteen thousand annually Britain ought not to complain. Air A. P. Herbert said he thought New Zealand more British than Britain and more loyal to the Crown than Britain itself. Lord Jellicoe, replying to the toast of New Zealand, said he found only one fault with New Zealand ; namely, it was too small. Tt was terrible to think that migration was limited from, twelve to fifteen thousand in a land where tho immigrant was welcomed and worked under excellent conditions and with every prospect of succeeding. Ho hoped that as a result of the visit there would he a greater quota of New Zealand news in the British newspapers.