SIR FRANCIS BELL

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1927, Page 4

SIR FRANCIS BELL

IMPRESSIONS OF IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. . WELLINGTON, Jan. 10. Sir Francis Bell, lender of the Legislatin' Council, returned bv the (.’ornithic on Sunday, after a lengthy absence. during which lie represented the Dominion at the Geneva Convention and was also in association with the R" : mo Alinister fat the Imperial Conference. He greeted a. group of pressmen quite cheerily, confident, probably of a better appearance in print than on the occasion of an American interview, when ho was alleged to have declared that he “did not rare a (I— - about politics, as he was on holiday.” Reminded of this incident. Sir Francis declared that it was all nonsense. What happened, ho said, was Hut lie told the pressmen lie had untiling for them, so they made something np.

He declared that lie believed everyone was pleased with the Imperial Conference, which was an .advance on anything done before. “And besides, there was a full agrcemcnl, which might not have been expected. That is (o sav that hath South African and Irish delegates wore satisfied with the pronouncements of tip? conlercnee ot the Prime A! Blisters •' regarding the status of Dominions.”

Questioned regarding tho practical effect on tlie Dominions of the pronouncement. Sir Francis Bell replied that he did not think there was any material difference excepting that the old idea, that the Governor-Geneiul should accept tho direction of the Colonial Office and act upon it. even adversely to the advice ol Ins .Ministers, lmd disappeared. His Excellency would he guided wholly in Dominion affairs by the tdviee of his Ministers. •‘i would like you to say,” said Sir Francis, ■’tlmf Air Coul.es made a

greater impression in England than auv other Premier or delegate. IDs

clear speech, modesty and entire absence of brag made a great impression everywhere, and no doubt be was a great asset there. He was very popular with everybody. Though lie never laid down the law or told people how to do tilings, he was firm in expressing Ills own views.” Sir Francis Bell was. a participant in the Geneva Convention which was so concerned over the demand of Ireland and South Africa for a . separate seat, a demand, lie said, which New Zealand did not approve. “Obviously it would bo u very serious thing if one of the Dominions holding a seat on the Council where a single vote is a. veto acted contrary to the views of England,, which holds a seat as a Great Power.” Samoan mandate affairs did not receive attention from Sir Francis Bell, as lie explained that when lie attended Geneva the controversy over the claim for a separate seat occupied exclusive attention. Samoan matters being subsequently handled by Sir James Parr. Incidentally, be missed bis train to Geneva, a lid had to complete the journey by aeroplane.