MR MASSEY’S HOME-COMING

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2687, 26 January 1924, Page 3

MR MASSEY’S HOME-COMING

CIVIC WELCOME AT AUCKLAND PREMIER REVIEWS WORK OF CONFERENCE. Auckland, Last Night. In addressing’ a. great gathering at a civic reception in the. Town Hall to-night, Mr Massey dealt with the business transacted at the Imperial Conference. He emphasised the importance of round the table discussions in solving Imperial problems. Mr Massey again declared himself a stalwart in favour of Imperial- preference, which he believed would be the strongest bond in uniting the Empire family. No proposal was made at the Conference to give preference to meats, butter, and cheese. The resolutions related to minor commodities, but Mr Massey said their approval would be an instalment towards the realisation of an adequate scheme. He was not hopeless but that even a Labour Government would give its approval to the measure of preference proposed. It had been decided however, that Army and Navy food contracts should be let, if possible, within the Empire. No Imperial Conference could afford to neglect defence questions. After the war all military forces had been greatly reduced, but the Conference decided that the Empire, whatever happened, was going to uphold its prestige by the maintenance of sea power. Mr Massey expressed himself as optimistic regarding prospects of New Zealand’s overseas trade. He believed wool prices would be maintained for years, as the world demand was bound to continue. Market conditions for dairy produce were quite good, and would remain so for the season. He had not given up hope of Imperial preference. The spade work had been very extensive and thorough and it was only by the interchange of ideas that a bolder system could be evolved. As regards finance, the present was not a favourable time for raising loans in London, and it was not necessary for the Dominion to raise a loan, but New Zealand would get, at the best terms all the money she needed when required. The re-adjustment of interest charges could not be discussed until the political position had settled down. As regards exchanges,- the Conference was of the opinion that there should be a steady policy of return to an effective gold standard. EMPIRE WIRELESS. An important statement with regard to wireless communication was made by Mr Massey, who said: “We must have a high-power station if we are to keep in line with Empire progress. lie had discussed the subject with the permanent head of the British Postal Department and would place definite proposals before Cabinet at an early date. The proposals would include the election and equipment of a hign-power station tnat the Dominion might be linked up aerially with London and other Empire centres. Be could not indicate tlie locality in wined tne prospective station would be esiaoiisneqy” AIR MASSES'S VIEWS JLN BRIEF. Auckland, Last Nignt. Mr Massey in an interview, said Aew Zealand s pari in Empire aviation can be but infinitesimal, but be on tne rignt lints. probably boin airplanes and seaplanes would receive encouragement. Be neartuy endorsed tne scheme to bring laas to JN ew Zealand for farm work, and will probably announce arrangements on somewdat similar lines , but on a larger scale than the South Island venture. On the general subject of iuunigratiou, Mr Massey said he had been active, but could not yet disclose details. lie could not recommend the placing of a loan in London at present, not that our finance was hampered, but he would like to see money easier at Home where our credit was very good. People here did not realise the position of Britain at the present time. It was very bad indeed. There was no necessity for calling Parliament earlier than usual. He did not believe there was any foundation for the report that Canada was attempting to throw oil the yoke of the Empire. On being questioned on the subject of proportional representation, he said: “This country would never agree to it. lam satisfied on that point.”