OUR MINISTERS AT HOME.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 October 1916, Page 5

OUR MINISTERS AT HOME.

COLONIAL INSTITUTE LUNCHEON, ' AMENDMENT OP THB CONSTITUTION^ NEW ZEALAND'S FINANCES POST-WAR TRADE. , jttistralian-N.Z. Cable Association? Received Oct. 29, 6.5 p.m. London, Oct. 28f. The Colonial Instiute entertained MA Ma S iey and Sir Joseph Ward an luncheon at the Hotel Cecil, Lord! I'lnnket presiding. He referred to thei In roic deeds of the New Zcalanders, and the patriotic assistance the Dominions gave before the war. The guests, bef said typified the strong North of Ireland nmr-d and the equally strong South o% Ireland supporters, uniting in the WW tional crisis. He expressed the hop 4 that Ireland would do similarly. Mr. Massey, in responding, said: We) allowed German bounty-assisted goods to stifle our industries while she was preparing her great army and navy to| smash us. She financed these prepara* tkui* partly from profits made in Aus< l~n!ia. Canada, and other parts of thei Empire, and it was only by a miracla that her plans were unsuccessful. He hoped we should profit by the lesson, and he trusted that every Empire legislature Koiild make such folly impossible in the future. Our motto should be: "British trt.t.p for British people," always remeraber.ng to act considerately towards one Allies. Another after-war problem was the amendment of the Constitution, givin:: the Dominions a voice in defence and foreign affairs, whereto was entailed the great question for decision as to whether the present form of Imperial Parliament should be continued. On that depended the form which the Dominion representJtion would take. He outlined New; Zealand's scheme to assist soldiers on the land. Si) Joseph Ward said New Zealand v-ould have a surplus of two millions at the close of the current year, which would be invested in Imperial Treasury i'Mids. He also hoped to repay some of the Imperial war advances. New Zealand assets totalled 305 millionsSailing, a good set off against her indebtedness of 110 millions. They pro. vided a sinking fund for all war and ♦'eueral loans, their finances being on tho soundest basis. Britain, after the war, should consider some system of reconstruction to keep her trade, as far a? possible, within the Kmnire. The generous impulses of the past, whereby, Britishers helped Germany io build up her great overseas trade, should be, directed to countries within the Empire, se. as to prevent Germany from ever again winning-out against Britain. TISIES COMMENTS ON SPEECHES London Oct. 28. The Times, in commenting on the" 'luncheon speeches by Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward, said that they provided n timely reminder of the problem* that will be facing the country when the war was over. Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward represented a Dominion that was doing its utmost to support the Knipire with both men and money. They . have attended meetings of Cabinet, and must know everything about the naval and military position. Moreover they had a certain detachment of view repird'ng the future of the Empire. They had not been content to leave all the (juektions about the future of the Empire in abeyance until tho war was over, bi/t wanted the British people to think about thcin now. rAREWELLING INVALID SOLDIERS. Received Oct. 29, 5.5 pm. „ , r London. Oct. 28. Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward fart, wed a contingent of invalided New Zealaadere at Waterloo Stating