IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2626, 30 August 1923, Page 3

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

ME. MASSEY TAKES LEAVE OP HOUSE. Mr Massey was farewelled by the House on Tuesday night, before taking his departure by the Tahiti, which sailed at 10 p.m. Mr Wilford, Leader of the Opposition, wished him bon voyage, and trusted he would be successful in his mission.

Mr Massey thanked Mr Wilford for the kindly sentiments expressed. “I am leaving for England within a very little while now to attend what I consider will be the most important gatherings of their kind ever held,” said the Prime Minister shortly before the Tahiti sailed, and it is comforting to me to know that I go with the full accord of every member of both branches of the Legislature, and, I believe, of every man and woman in the Dominion.”

Mr Massey talked interestedly on several of the main subjects which are to be discussed by the Imperial Conference, and he emphasised the fact that the decisions are subject to ratification by the countries concerned.

“Defence,” Mr Massey said “is perhaps the thing we are most concerned with at present. I do not see any reason for the maintenance by New Zealand of a standing army of any size. I think it will be sufficient if we keep the nuclei of a standing army, for if ever war is forced upon us again, I am sure we shall have no difficulty in finding the men required. For the time being, it appears to me that Naval defence is the direction in which our efforts should run.”

“An important subject to be discussed at the Conference is immigration, and I desire to make it clear that as far as possible we should keep this a white man’s country. Immigration will* receive very serious consideration from the Conference, and I trust sincerely that something satisfactory and beneficial to all parties will be arrived at.”

On the subject of trade, Mr Massey said: “I am pleased to say that during recent years there has been a greater tendency than ever before for the different countries of the Empire to come together in connection with commercial matters, and to make arrangements for, their mutual benefit. As far as Customs duties are concerned, I do not. refer to any particular portion of the Empire when I say that if a country closes its doors against us by means of the imposition of heavy Customs duties, it is nothing short of folly on our part to open our doors to them, and allow them to dump their goods here free of duty. I think that it is the duty of the people of the Empire to help one another where they can. “As to the possible institution of an Empire Council, I think this is one of the things we should keep in view, and work for. I do not. mean a Council altogether apart from the Government of the United Kingdom, but associated with it, and able to give its whole time and attention to the affairs of Empiie, rather than that those affairs should in any sense be seeondai’y considerations.” •Mr Massey said he was very 7 well satisfied with the work of the session. The period of sitting had, through force of circumstances, been briefer than .usual, but the House had worked well, and a great deal of useful legislation had been passed. Some of the matters that had not been completed were contentious, but he hoped members during the recess would study the problems thes,e contentious subjects presented, so that when they weie before the House in the session of next year a solution might be arrived at as speedily ais possible. . • On being asked if he thought it would be necessary to convene an early session of Parliament after his return from England, Mr Massey said he was at present of the opinion that the House would assemble at the ordinary time —toward the end of June.

Mr Massey expects to reach England early in October, and he may return to New Zealand early in the new year.