PRIME MINISTER

Hokitika Guardian, 21 August 1930, Page 5

PRIME MINISTER

DEPARTURE. FOR LONDON SIR T. STDEY ALSO GOING. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.!

WELLINGTON, Aug. 20. An important statement regarding New Zealand’s representation at the Imperial Conference was made this afternoon by the Prime Minister, who intimated that Sir Thomas Sidey would also lie attending the conference to advise on. legal questions. He said: “The work of the 'session has now been carried sufficiently forward to enable me to arrive at a definite decision that it will be possible for me to attend the conference, and I accordingly am making arrangements to leave New Zealand for this purpose on Tuesday next. As member.'; are aware, the health of Sir T Sidey. Leader of the Legislative Council and Attorney-General, has necessitated his taking a sea voyage, and for this purpose lie contemplates a visit to the United Kingdom. Arrangements liuve been made for the following official delegation in connection with the conference the members of which will leave New Zealand with myself and Sir T, Sidey in order that the preparations for the conference may be continued during the journey: Mr F. 13. Thomson (Permanent Head of the Prime Minister’s Department, Clerk of the Executive Council; Mr C. A. Berendson (Secretary of the External Affairs Offier); Mr C. A. Jeffrey (private secretary to the Prime Minister); Dr G. Craig (Comptroller of Customs). As the House is already aware, Dr. Marsden (Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Peso arch) left New Zealand for the United Kingdom on the 18th of July in order to attend a sub-conference of research experts which is to be held almost immediately, and who, of course, will report to the conference. The services of Doctor Craig, as I have already advised the House, will also be utilised in the negotiation of trade agreements with Canada and France.”

I A CHURCH SERVICE. LONDON; August 19. Arrangements are being made for a great Empire service at Westminister Abbey on the morning of the opening day of the Imperial Conference. Dean Inge having agreed at the suggestion of Mr Ramsay Macdonald. NEW CABINET MINISTER. HON. MR MASTERS. WELLINGTON, August 20. At a meeting of the Executive Council to-day, presided over by His Excellency the Governor-General, Hon, Robert Masters, M.L.C. was sworn in as a Member of the Executive Council without portfolio. Mr Masters will fill the vacancy caused by the death of Sir Joseph Ward. In the absence of Sir Thomas Sidey. he will also act as Leader of the Legislative Council.