IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY AT OTTAWA GATHERING

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 282, 23 July 1932, Page 5

IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY AT OTTAWA GATHERING

D'ELEGATES' speeches POLIC'Y OF PARTICIPATING PARTIES OUTLINED BY LEADERS Before the most representative gathering in the history of the British Empire, the Governor-General of Canada, Lord Bessborough, on Thursday officially opened the Ottawa Conferencp. An earnest message expressing his hopes for the suecess of the gathering, was despatchecl by His Majesty the King, and read by Lord Bessborough. The ceremonial opening was followed by the preliminary speeches of the delegation leaders who uhited in striking an optimistic note regarding the success of the conference. At the affernoon session, steps were taken to set up eommittees which will examine the various problems with which the conference will be concerned. The Free State delegation participated in the loyal message despatched to His Majesty, and its leader, Mr. Sean OTvelly, delivered a speech which is described as "most patriotic." OTTAWA, Friday. The following was the text of the King's mesSage to the conference : — My thoughts and prayers are with' the delegates gathered to explore means for promoting the prosperity of this great Empire. The conference opehs a new page of historv on which

it will, within a few weeks, write a record of determined effort to solve the difiiculties now weighing so heavily upon us and upon the whole world. "It is my hope that the conference results will worthily reflect frdnkness and sincerity and a spirit of helpfulness witli which i am confident your deliberations will be cbnducted. "The Empire is based on the principle of cooperation. It is your purpose to give the fullest possible efl'ect to that principle in the economic snbere.

thus setting in m'otion benelicial forces within the Empire, which may well extend their impuls-e throughout the world. I piay that you will be given clear insight and strength to accomplish your task."