MR. MASSEY

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2336, 1 October 1921, Page 3

MR. MASSEY

ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND,

Auckland, Yesterday

Mr Massey returned, apparently in the hast of health, by the Niagara early this morning, though he left London somewhat run-down. Mrs Massey did not enjoy the best of health while away, but returns considerably improved. The Premier was welcomed aboard the Niagara by Sir Francis Bell, the Mayor, and the Chairman 11 f the Harbour Board. An official reception took place at noon.

Mr Massey, talking to a Star reporter, said lie was very glad to get back. He had had a most interesting trip, but it had been very strenuous in London. He regarded the Imperial Conference as the most important yet held. All that was done ,-f the Conference, said Mr Massey, was in lhe interests of a united Empire under one Sovereign. The greater part of the proceedings was of a highly confidential character, particularly that relative to foreign affairs, and naval, military, and air defence, which were probably the most important subjects dealt with. There were also the Anglo-Japqjiese Alliance, the proposed Disarmament Conference, the Silesian question, and affairs in Egypt. In all these matters the British Prime Minister and his colleagues took (lie overseas Prime Ministers into llieir fullest confidence. The result, I feel confident, has been beneficial to the Empire. An important matter dealt with at the Conference was that of inter-Empire communications by sea, land, and air. This subject, of course, embraced wireless communications. I believe developments will come in aviation, but meantime there is need for cheaper freights, faster passenger and mail services, and belter cable and wireless facilities. The shipping matter received very careful consideration.” Mr Massey also devoted much l-iine and attention outside the Conference to this subject, so vital to the Dominion. He did not care to go further into what had been done, but would have something to say later. Mr Massey also moved in the direction of gelling better cable and wireless rates for press' messages. Among other questions ventilated at the Conference were the German reparations, the positions of Indians in the Empire, Empire settlement, immigration, and the present unsatisfactory system of control of the New Hebrides. In addition to Conference business, Mr Massey had a lot of business to attend to on behalf of New Zealand while in London, including financial affairs generally, the state of the wool and produce markets, delays in unloading New Zealand steamers in London, publicity concerning New Zealand in the Old Country, and war memorials in Gallipoli.