MR. FORBES DEPARTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1060, 26 August 1930, Page 10

MR. FORBES DEPARTS

(Continued from Page 1.) Forbes had tackled the difficulties through which the Dominion was passing, Mr. Entrican continued. The Country had confidence in the strength of will and tenacity of purpose the Prime Minister had displayed since he had come to office.

Laughter greeted Mr. Entrican’s Observation that if the Prime Minister could have taken the tax-gatherer with him, taxpayers would have been pleased to facilitate the going of that Official.

“We need the Prime Minister here gust now, but we dare not be unrepresented at the Conference,’’ said the JDeputy-Mayor. “it would not be just or fair to our Prime Minister i£ he *vere denied the privilege of being f Associated with the best brains of th g Empire in conference. The marry (serious problems which require so/u----fjon need the most experienced sta/esfhanship in order that the best way fmt may be found.” BOTH NEW ZEALAND-BOflN Mr. Entrican drew attention to the fact that both Mr. Forbes Vn d Sir Thomas Sidey were New 7lealandbcirm They had given long e/rid faithful service and the country ?,ent them forth confident that they would uphold Worthily the traditions of t’o.e able men 4fho had represented New; Zealand at JScrmer Imperial Conferences. Mr. Entrican conclude*! with an assurance that Mr. For Aes and Sir Thomas had the mor/fc sincere good Wishes of all, that they might be guided Sjdvinely in their deliberations, that toiieir decisions mig'At be for the advancement of the E mpire, and the w'ellJietog of its people*. MR, FORBES REPLIES Prolonged app’niuse welcomed Mr. Forbes when he rose to reply. “I Teed hardly say how much I appreciate this friendly gathering,” said the Prime Minister. “X am New Zealandborn I f/eel that I am taking a piece of Now Zealand to the Old Country. lam very proud of my Country . „ , we are not of the type •which mates a noise, but the sentiment Is tktere all the same.” Mr. Forbes emphasised that he recognised the importance of the conference, and what brought it more forcibly before him was that all New Zealand looked upon the occasion as important. All members of Parliament had regarded it in that way. The Prime Minister paid tribute to the other parties which, although entitled to use the party system for their proper functions, had not blocked him. They had treated him very well. Some difficult measures had had to be put through and he wondered if he would have any friends left. (Laughter.) The position had to be faced and although he had had difficult things to do he believed he still had a lot of friends. The way Auckland had come along to bid him farewell showed at least that he had been forgiven. (Hear, hear.) Touching on his mission Mr. Forbes mentioned that trying economic problems had to be faced and it was important that the Dominions should get together rather than to attempt to solve their difficulties singly. “I know that in going to the conference I am stressing the very loyal sentiment which exists in New Zealand for the Homeland,” the Prime Minister said, striking an Imperialistic note. There had always been a strong sentiment in his blood. He knew he was speaking for the people when he referred to their sentiment for the Homeland. On economics, Mr. Forbes claimed that New Zealand had already done something in tariffs to assist Great Britain and it was recognised in Britain. New Zealand could be proud of her financial standing in England. Investors there knew that when New Zealand gave her word it was her bond and they had therefore shown a disposition to help financially. There was no need for pessimism about the future of the Dominion. To put things right was a matter of readjustment of values; then we should be able tc face low prices. He had said as Minister of Lands that in a few years New Zealand would be enabled to double her production. He believed firmly that the prospect was not by any means gloomy. “I am leaving New Zealand with the feeling that I am leaving a largo number of friends. That will be an inspiration and an encouragement when I take my place at the conference table,” the Prime Minister concluded to the accompaniment of a burst of clapping. SIR THOMAS SIDEY Looking ill and worn. Sir Thomas Sidey, who had only left hospital a week ago. thanked Auckland citizens for their kindly words. He mentioned that his. illness might have given him excuse for non-appearance at the function, but he desired to show Auckland that he appreciated the farewell. Sir Thomas said he was speaking to an Auckland audience for the first time and was touched by the warmth of his reception. He spoke briefly on some of the problems of trade which the conference would have to discuss. Promotion of Empire unity would be the dominant effort of the Prime Minister and of himself. At the call of the Deputy-Mayor three cheers were rousingly given for the delegation. The function closed with the National Anthem.