A CONFIDENT OUTLOOK.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1991, 17 June 1919, Page 3

A CONFIDENT OUTLOOK.

MR. MASSEY. ON THE FUTURE. DESTINY OF NEW ZEALAND. London, June 14. Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward were entertained at luncheon by the High Commissioner prior to their impending departure for Ncav Zealand. A very large number of Ncav Zealanders and others were present. Ah* Alassey’s health was proposed by Air J. Cat heart Wason, AFP., formerly of New Zealand, and Sir Joseph Ward’s by Air William Pember Reeves.

Referring lo (he work of (lie Peiice Conference, Mr Massey said dial unfortunately many diverse issues were deal! with in the early stages, thus causing many delays, hut much important work had been done. It had to he remembered that world-wide alterations of boundaries and settlement of varied claims over a score of nations could not be accomplished quickly and give complete satisfaction. A stage of important developments bad boon reached, and within a few days the Herman delegates would he compelled cither to sign or refuse definitely and accept the consequences. lie fell certain that in any ease the people throughout the Empire would courageously do the right thing in any circumstances. As regarded Samoa, New Zealand would have preferred the British Government to fake control, hut this was impossible under the mandatory system, and therefore the next best- thing was for New Zealand to accept the control and make sure that Samoa would never again be under a foreign Power. New Zealand, he left sure, accepted the responsibility without hesitation, and would do its best to make the islands prosperous and Hie inhabitants contented. He believed that in the future New Zealand, with its dependencies, would become a strong British community in the South Pacific. He had no fear for the future, so far as 7 New Zealand was concerned, and he felt confident that the people would do their share in any crisis that might arise. British people everywhere most take up energetically a policy of development, and become independent of other nations for their most important requirements.

Sir Joseph Ward said that the Empire had to meet an unparalleled position as regards finance. Only two things would help the taxpayer to carry its burden. Those were, firstly, enormously-increased production; secondly, the determination to save in directions not hitherto contemplated. It was to be regretted that some of the great men at the Peace Conference were very often misunderstood as to what (hey were really doing in extraordinary difficulties. The general feeling was that wc were not going to lose the war by having a bad peace.