PRIME MINISTER

Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1930, Page 1

PRIME MINISTER

FAREWELL AT CAPITAL. NOTE OF UNITY STRUCK. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.* WELLINGTON, August 24. Political party differences were forgotten in the face of the wider issues of the Imperial Conference, when tne Prime Minister, Hon. G. W. Forbes, was accorded a civic farewell on Saturday night, prior to liis departure for London. Mr Forbes, who was hailed generally as a worthy and efficient representative of New Zealand, was the recipient of a gift, as was Mrs Forbes. In wishing Mr Forbes success on behalf of his associates, and, in some measure, on behalf of the citizens ot New Zealand concerned, Mr Coates said that at the last Imperial Conference, there emerged the declaration that each Dominion should have an equal status, and that was something to be treated with the utmost respect and responsibility. At the same time it was to be realised that New Zealand could hardly expect, the same right to express its views as to the best policy to adopt to bring the best from the heritage that was beloved to the citizens of the Dominion and of the Empire. The responsibility was on those who guided the Empire’s destiny. The representative of New Zealand should he sent away, feeling that he had a free hand and with the confidence that die, as a true citizen of the country, irrespective of his domestic and political opinions, would truly represent the innermost feeling and ideals of the .vast majority of tlie people of New Zealand. New Zealand’s representative took good wishes and the highest hopes from the Pakelia and Maori alike.

. Mr.H. E. Holland said lie hoped that the name of the Conference would be changed to that of the British Commonwealth of Nations’ Conference. When that came about, the lofty idea of peace would be advanced. In imperial affairs, political difference could be sunk, in order that the interests ot the people might he more widely considered. He wished their representative well.

The Mayor, Mi G. A. Troup, said that the public had looked on with interest at the business of Parliament, and it was with relief and . gratification that they learned that the Party leaders were prepared to facilitate that business in order that the Prim Minister could get away. He presented Mr Forbes with an address, enclosed in a carved Maori casket, and Mrs Forbes with a rug. “The unity of the Empire is a most important subject,” said Mr Forbes, replying. “One needs very little imagination to see how fraught it is with great possibilities.” As far as the Empire was concerned, we could be practically a self-sustaining people. We wanted to encourage, as much as possible, trade between our part of the Empire and the Old Land./ When people grumbled about the preference to the Old Country, they should remember that New Zealand’s own prosperity depended on the Old Country, and we should do everything to assist it. He praised the value of Empire conferences by saying: “Going to the Conference as the representative of New Zealand, I know I can go and speak with one single voice. There is no difference of opinion. I can go there feeling that New Zealand is one in thought in regard to what should he done dn the Homeland—that its gieatest desire is to maintain its connection with the Homeland, and to do everything to assist in her progress and prosperity. I feel a farewell of this sort.takes the place of a friendly handshake.”

CABINET HAPPENINGS. PRIME MINISTER’S FAREWELL MESSAGE. WELLINGTON, Aug. 25. Cabinet sat almost continuously over the week end and numerous questions, whie.li had been finalised before the Prime Minister’s departure for the Inr Prime/ Minister’s departure for the Imperial Conference to-dav, were disposed of late Inst night. Tlio Prime Minister announced that during his absence the Hon E. A. Ransom, who holds the portfolio of Minister of Lands, will be acting Prime Minister. Mr Ransom also takes the portfolios of Finance and External Affairs and will be Minister in charge of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. , Hon J. G. Cobbe will be Minister of Customs, and Sir Apirana Ngata, Minister of Native Affairs, will take over from Sir Thomas Sidey the portfolio of Attorney General. Mir Forbes, in a farewell message, i said: “While I am home I will do nothing likely to oause any embarrass