MR AMERY’S RETURN

Hokitika Guardian, 17 February 1928, Page 1

MR AMERY’S RETURN

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, Feh. 15. The Empire Parliamentary Association tendered a dinner to Air Winery at the House of Commons. The Speaker, -Mr AYliitcley, presided, and the guests included Air Churchill, Air Orntsby Gore, the High Commissioners and many Commoners. Air Thomas, proposing the toast of the guest, inquired, “Why, in God’s name was he asked to welcome Air Amery? As Air Amcry’s predecessor, ho had set out on a visit to the Empire, and got as far as South Africa. En route for home, he only reached Aladoira when ho learned that the Labour Government was punctured, and now he was asked to welcome one, who after seven months’ holiday, had returned to find the bye-elections not too had alter all. Nevertheless, personally, lie believed that if ever tho position arose in which'the issue concerned tlie heritage of the Empire, all parties and sections would join in declaring this a fundamental matter upon which there were no differences. Though Air Amcry’s polities were rotten, he (Mr Thomas) welcomed him as Chairman of the Parliamentary Association. He was sure that the success of the tour was largely aided by Airs Amery. Air Amery, responding, was received with applause. He said: “In the Empire tour, Air Thomas was merely the raven that flew over the waters to find Noah in a capsized ark. I was tho more fortunate dove, and returned with an olive branch, to find tho ark capable of floating many seasons yet. i set out with tho idea that tho British Government should, between Imperial Conferences, maintain contact with the Dominions. I was impressed with tho growth and progress that have lifted the Dominions to a now and infinitely more hopeful plane since the* AVar. AVe must Mo everything to make migration a success. We embarked on a wonderful experiment, in which free and independent nations shall co-oper-atively maintain unity. I believe il will succeed. Our defence system forbids laying down a rigid quantity of j men, money and ships. AYhat mailers I is the* deep sense of responsibility to the Imperial Commonwealth which was so gloriously demonstrated in the hour of trial. AVe, in Imperial development must co-operate for the promotion of everything dignifying and improving flic* life of man.”