CONFERENCE OPENS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 July 1932, Page 5

CONFERENCE OPENS

MEMORABLE SCENE THE OPENING SPEECHES. ■'l'. / •* ' (United Press Association—By Electric. ; Telegraph—Copyright.; (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) Oi'j/AWA, July ,21. I A distinguished gallery looked down on ia memorable scene in .fhe House of Commons, when Lord Bessborongh, a tall civilian figure, entered the chamber to open the Conference. The Australians-were placed on, tbo right of the Speaker’s chair below '(the Canadians. Mr Bruce had Mr Guillctt on one side and Mr Weir (Canadian) on the other, New Zealanders were, placed on.the 'left, next .to Britain’s, j Mr Coated sat next to Mr Gilmour and Mr Stewart nigxt to Mr O’Kel y, who was the cynosure of'all eyes, on rising with the others when the, Conference passed a resolution of loyalty to the Throne. • There was no microphone near Mr Brtice when he rose to addless the Conference. Etc Waited for tt full minute, with perfect cdriiptisitte Until a microphone Wds brought. He spoke for twelve Minutes and received ail ovation on concluding. Mr Bruce and Mr Coates attracted general interest by their fine bearing and immaculate attire. | Mr O’Kelly spoke with a broad accent for five minutes and was well received. THE KING’S MESSAGE. The, King’s Message to the Conference was as follows: 'My thoughts and prayers are with the delegates gathered to explore means, promoting the prosperity of this great Empire, The Conference opens a new page of history, on which it will, within a few weeks, write a record of determined efforts to solve difficulties weighing so heavily upon ns, and upon the whole world. It is my hope that tlte Conference results will worthily reflect the frankness, sincerity, ■ and spirit of helpfulness with which I am confident your deliberations will be conducted. Th'e Empire is the basis on the' principle of co-operation and it is your purpose to give the fullest possible effect to that 'principle in the economic sphere, thus setting in motion' the beneficial forces within-the Empire which may well extend their impulse throughout the world.

I pray that you be given a clear insigljt and strength to accomplish thb task. 1 "

GIDVEftNOR-GENERAt’S ADDRESS. Loiki Beasborough addressing the delegates Said— You meet to-day as tli© chosen trustees of th'e Empire, knowing' your deliberations will mater* ially affect the welfare of milions. Recent far reaching events have left unchanged the spirit uniting the Empire and common ideals which' have brought you to Ottawa. Lord Ressborough then'departed and Mr Bennett took the chair amid applause. He said—We have gathered te> determine a plan wltereby the great Empire may continue its leadership among the nations .The Conference is unique, firstly, because of the fuller, 'representation of secondly, because we have never faced a greater need for unselfish, concerted action; •and thirdly, because the prospects .of achievement have: never been more certain. The machinery of the world’s commerce is out of gear, international -nano© has broken down and recovery is beyond any single nation’s strength. "We have a common purpose and supreme desire to achieve it. -