A LUNCHEON

Hokitika Guardian, 27 June 1929, Page 5

A LUNCHEON

SIR J. PARR’S SPEECH

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright).

(Received this day at 9.25 a.m.) June 26. Sir James Parr was the principal guest at a luncheon of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the British Empire. Two hundred were present. including Lord Passlield and many loading business men. ’Lord Iveagli, presiding, referred to the steady growth of New Zealand trade, pointing out in 1886 New Zealand's total overseas trade was roughly 13} millions whereas last year it approached one hundred millions. He paid a tribute to Sir J. Parr’s outstanding triumph in the field of education.

Sir J. Parr replying, repeated figures showing that New Zealand was Britain’s best customer per capita. New Zealanders were loyal in sentiment and lovaller in trade. He congratulated Lord Passlield on his appointment as Secretary to the Dominions, which he sincerely believed was the most important office in the Government. He was glad to see so distinguished a servant occupying this office.

Sir J. Parr admitted that as a young man lie had studied Sid Sidney "Webb’s hooks and adopted some of his fabian theories, hut in his capacity as a Tory Minister he laughed. The new Government would not lie hard on the Empire Marketing Hoard, which in New Zealand’s opinion had been a very real and valuable contribution to Empire trade, and well worth the money spent on it.