MR MASSEY IN AMERICA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2637, 25 September 1923, Page 3

MR MASSEY IN AMERICA.

VISIT TO PRESIDENT COOLTDGE MESSAGE FOR DOMINION. New York, September 21. AU Mnssev paid an interesting visit to Washington, and, by arrangement. called .upon the President of the United States at White House. He was graciously received by President Coolidge, who evinced great interest in New Zealand affairs. At the conclusion of the audience, he desired Mr Afassey to convey to the people of the Dominion his very best wishes for their prosperity and happiness. Afterwards he forwarder! to Air Afassey a signed photograph.

ATr Massey was extremely well received at Washington, and his visit created much interest. ITe was entertained'at luncheon by the Secretary of State, and to dinner at the Embassy. On each occasion distinguished American statesmen were present to meet Air ATassey. Tie also paid a visit to the tomb of America’s unknown warrior. The British flag was llown at AH Massey’s hotel, The Prime Minister sails by the Majestic from New York on the 22nd.-.;- >- At . New York ihe Australian Press Association interviewed Air Afassey, who reiterated the opinion that preference,'of which he declared himself-one of the earliest, advocates, would prove one of the greatest, if not the' greatest, problems of the Imperial Conference. He added that despite the fixed agenda, there would probably he many important matters which were now nnforseen, that would arise for discussion. He declared that the members of the Conference reserved the right to introduce all problems they considered important, despite the limitations of the fixed programme. He smilingly refused to discuss Air Bruce’s idea of a PacificLeague of Nations, which he appeared to consider impracticable. He commented upon one important aspect of his journey thus far from New Zealand, declaring that the Tahiti completed its trip to San Francisco in more than two and a-half days less than the usual time, the captain and engineers being anxious to facilitate his speedy journey to England. Air Afassey said this demonstrated that the distance between New Zealand and the United States and England, could he materially diminished from the viewpoint of time, proving of vast aid commercially. He said that if this improvement could he made permanent the benefit accruing to the son them hemisphere Dominion from postal facilities would repay the increased cost.

Air Massey added that ho had been very much impressed with the cordiality and hospitality of American people, who upon all occasions of his trans-Continental trip, showed great good feeling towards New Zealand. President Coolidge gave him a warm welcome and a message of friendship to take hack to the people of the Dominion.