IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2590, 7 June 1923, Page 1

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

MR MASSEY ON MOMENTOUS DECISIONS.

Christchurch, .Tune 6.

The importance of (he impending Imperial Conference was stressed to-day by the Prime Minister at a luncheon given in his honour. Those present were the guests of the executive of the Canterbury branch of the Reform League, which arranged the function in order (hat the chairmen of local bodies and representatives of other organisations should be given an opportunity of meeting Mr Massey before his expected departure for England to take part in the Imperial Conference. If was, therefore, of a noupnrtv character. Mr TI. D. Acl and, president of the Canterbury branch of the Reform League presided. Tn the course of his speech, Mr Massey said: "So far as I am concerned, lam willing to serve my country, either here or on the other side of the world, but I have represented New Zealand before at the Conference, and I think that on the present occasion there are special reasons why I should attend again. Tv is an extraordinary fact that T will be the only one of the war time Prime Minister.- who will have the opportunity to attend. Some of them have ‘gone west’ and others have dropped out of politics, as politicians have a habit of doing. f

cannot think of a single war time Prime Minister, even among the Allies, who now holds office. There have, been many changes among members of the Conference for all of them are not Prime Ministers. I happen to be (be senior member.’’ Mr Massey said he considered the Dominion would have to do more in naval defence than it had’Mone in tile past. The Empire had been on the verge of another war and the British Government, apparently, was borne out by its intention to establish a naval station at Singapore. “We in New Zealand cannot sil back and let the English taxpayer bear the whole of this extra defence. Australia and New Zealand will have to bear their share.”

Referring to Now Zealand. ilu* Primp Minister said llio raising of flip Inst loan showed how sound tlit* credit of the Dominion stood, Onr export figures were higher than those of any otlier country of the world, comparatively speaking. Tin* change that had taken place was simply marvelous. Eight or nine years ago, the exports stood at £23000.000 and for this year (he exports were £-t0,000,000. Some year*' ago, lie had expressed the opinion tli.it if our exports went to £50,000000 our troubles would end. and with the increase in exports, the £50.000,000 mark would he exceeded.