SPEECH BY MR. MASSEY.

Taihape Daily Times, 28 June 1918, Page 5

SPEECH BY MR. MASSEY.

Received 9.25 a.m

LONDON, June 27

Mr. Massey, addressing a meeting of business men convened by the Imperial Commercial Association, congratulated the Association on securing Mr. F. M. B. Fisher as, .Director. Mr. Fisher had done splendid work in New Zealand. If he returned he would be welcomed with open arms. Lord Inchcape presented Mr. Massey with an illuminated address in recognition of New Zealand's loyalty and patriotism. Mr. Massey added he did not think Imperial taxpayers need provide a shilling on New Zealand's hehalf if the shipping controller provided the ships to bring to England the vast supplies waiting shipment in New Zealand. They heard a great deal about German influence throughout the Empire before the war; they did not want growls in South Pacific after the war. He hoped the Germans would never be allowed again to obtain raw materials usalble for war purposes from British possessions. Were we going to revert to the pre-war system whereby goods from the dominions entered Britain on the same terms as those from Germany? (Cries of "No!"). Re strongly favoured Imperial preference, which would do. more than anything to consolidate the Empire. Sir E. Carson said he hoped the Government would not attempt to run business after the war, or the country would be doomed. There would be a shortage of raw materials, which Britain, her dominions, and the United States controlled. Until our own businesses were rebuilt Germany should not be allowed any raw materials. No ships should be built for any belligerent or neutral until our own shipping was restored to its pre-war position.