EMPIRE TRADE.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 May 1919, Page 2

EMPIRE TRADE.

IMPERIAL PREFERENCE. ADVOCATED BY MR. MASSEY. London, May 29. At a complimentary luncheon tendered to, Mr. Massey on Tuesday by the Empire Producer.'/ Organisation, the Marquess of Londonderry presided, and, in> proposing the toast of the guests, remarked that New Zealand was proud of its Prime Minister, "but he was also proud of tiis fellow-countryman, Mr. Massey being a native of Derry, Mr. Massey'a speech dealt, by request, with the subject of Empire trade, with bpechil reference to the question of Tm[,eriai preference. In the course of his address, which wa9 listened to with evident appreciation, he pointed out that Vvhen the present fisqal system wau over 70 years ago, the colonies were looked upon :> ■ encumbrances, but to-day they were and virile nations, and, as the war n;ai proved, important parts of the Empire, able and willing to do their share *in its, 1 defence or in any other way necessary. He was of opinion that, as the conditions had materially changed, so there should be a change of policy, which would operate in the interests of the whole Empire and assist to make it independent of other countries, so far ay food supplies and raw materials for Britain's industries were concerned, at the same time strengthening the ties which kept the British nation united and solid. Imperial preference went much further than any alteration in the customs tariff; it included, for instance, the much-needed improvement of the Empire communications, both by shipping and cables, or even by an air service; it included immigration and financial matters, and, really, preference by British countries to British countries in every way possible. At the conclusion of the address Mr. Massey received the enthusiastic thankg of the' gathering.—Official.