PRIME MINISTER

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1927, Page 1

PRIME MINISTER

RETURN TO N.Z

[BY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, February 14. Five months to a day since his departure for the Imperial Conference, Mr ( outes, .Mrs Coates and the staff oi the New Zealand delegation, returned by the same steamer, the Makura, this morning. There also returned with tiie party, Mr J. S. Hunter, who acted as private secretary to Sir F. D. Bell at the League of Nations Conference. Aii are in good health. The -Makura reached the Heads at 12.110 a.m. Members of the Cabinet went aboard, and the vessel berthed at nine. Air and Mrs Coates were immediately accorded a welcome by the harbour authorities, the function taking place at one of the sheds. There was a representative gathering, including the heads of departments, civic and other officials. ON IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

When interviewed, Mr Coates said that he did not think the importance of the Imperial Conference could he over-estimated. They were the most effective means of co-ordinating and assimilating the activities of the countries forming the Empire. He would not he understood to say that the conclusions arrived at the last Conference presented any novel viewpoint, or outstanding advance, nor did he affirm that it had resulted in the entire elimination of misunderstandings, but the creation of feeling oi utmost goodwill in all parts of the Empire. That goodwill was, in his opinion, the outstanding feature of the Conference, ft would not he possible to gather together a group of men more (irmly determined to find a common solution to all questions and more ready to abandon individual interests tor the common weal, or more tolerant and more understanding of divergent points of view. Perhaps the most important feature, certainly that which would have the greatest and most beneficial effect in the future was the work of the Inter-linperial Relations Committee. By virtue of a mutual understanding, clear thinking and careful expression, it had been possible to give the British people and the. world a definite, explicit statement of the true relationship of the component parts ol the Empire, containing little room for misunderstanding and no possible germ of discontent. There was ample opportunity for each portion of the Empire to proceed along its own pail:, make its own future without interference or molestation from any other part, but with the full realisation of the necessity for constant communication and consultation that each might understand what the other was doing. It was not ton much to say that the Conference had clarified many important questions and removed any sense of domination. We must now endeavour to consolidate by wise legislation, mutual trade and close intercourse, the ground already gained. f l he bonds of Empire were as strong to-day as at any period in history. Mr Coates traversed very iuily the large amount of work accomplished on the economic side of the Conference, and referred to the setting up of a committee in London representing New Zealand, with a view to co-ordinating to reduce costs and obtain the maxi mum effect of the sentiment already being created. Mr Coates indicated that he- would lie submitting proposals to his colleagues regarding naval defence. They would he in the direction of providing lor an increased effort by the Dominion towards doing our part in the general scheme of Empire defence. Mr Coates stated that misapprehension has evidently been created through an alleged remark attributed to him in New York to the effect; that he has

stated his concurrence to certain views expressed as to the inadequacy of Canada’s contribution to the naval defence of the Empire. Never at any time did lie offer any suggestion on the action of any Dominion. Whatever action Canada might take was entirely a matter for her Government and people to decide. On no occasion did he go beyond this general statement. ITe did express his conviction it was desirable that the co-operation of self-governing Dominions should be as great as possible in order that financial burdens might he more equitably spread over the Empire, and with the. object ol providing adequate protection for seaborne trade and commerce. In an additional statement on defence. Mr Coates said regret was expressed that greater progress had not been accomplished in the matter of international disarmament. It was, however, the common desire of the Governments represented at the Imperial Conference to promote a general locality of limitation, but it was felt that such policy could only he pursued as far as consistent with the safety and integrity of all parts of Empire communications.

/When passing through tlio States on t| le -wav to London, opportunity had been taken to discuss with the Secretary of State/ Mr Kellogg) various aspects of relations between New Zealand and the States and on his return through Canada, a considerable amount of time was devoted in investigating the trading relations with that Dominion. Tn Canada, the New Zealand party dispersed as widely ns possible m order that the utmost amount of ground might he covered. First-hand information had been obtained a considerable number of subjects of importance to this country.

CIVIC WELCOME. WELLINGTON, February 14. A large and distinguished gathering assembled in the Town Hall to-night to welcome Mr Coates. ■Replying to tlio speeches of welcome Mr Coates stressed the fact that there was no need for pessimism in connection with the over-importations. He said a spirit of good fellowship had been fostered in every way by the last Imperial Conference. He paid a striking tribute to the way the people of France looked after the graves of New Zealand soldiers, and also to the War Graves Commission. His visit to France made him resolve to urge that they should leave nothing undone to prevent such a war in the future. Referring to Dominion autonomy, Mr Coates scouted the idea of one part of the Empire making a treaty implicating other parts of the Empire. If any Government of the Empire desired to make a treaty, or to enter into an agreement, with a country outside the family, it could not become legal until the whole of the Empire had agreed to it. Mr Coates suggested not more than four years should elapse between the Imperial Conferences.