MR MASSEY AND FREE TRADE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2651, 27 October 1923, Page 3

MR MASSEY AND FREE TRADE.

OCCUPATION OF RHUR. A MISTAKE. London, October 24. While speaking at. the British Chamber of Commerce dinner, tlie Duke of Devonshire referred to Mr Massey as the father of the conference and hoped that when he could not attend himself, he would throw on his succsso'r his mantle of usefulness, helpfulness and the true Imperial spirit. , Mr Massey, im replying to , the toast, of the trade of the Empire, said he had reason to believe -that India would he perfectly satisfied with what the Conference had done that day. -In referring to the reparations, he said France was wrong 4n' occupying the Ruhr, but the people should not forget France had been twice invaded in 50 years. Britain, Australia, and New Zealand were paying their’war debts to the last shilling, but personally, lie would like to see European countries reminded that “a cheque would oblige.” On the question of free trade, Mr Massey said: “You allow goods into your country duty free, but do other countries’ allow your goods in. free? Not?much! They charge you up to the Kilt, aud you are soft enough to call that free trade.” • Mr Wilson emphasised that Australia was not a kindergarten. Men who came out must work. ..Delegates came here pleading but Britain and the Dominions ought to play fifty-fifty in the interests of the Empire. Australia would be able to carry out her deal.