FOOD FIRST.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 June 1920, Page 5

FOOD FIRST.

JSTJBOPE'S CETEF WANT. ! ;■.*» Mattaph.—Pm» Amu.—GOTTtfM. London, June 28. The Hon. Sir Peter Meßride (AgentJKneral for Victoria) gave a farewell luncheon to the Hon. A. Eobinson (Solicitor-General for Victoria, who hag completed bis mission to London) at the Btafloiwrs' Hall. Lord Milner (Secretary 6f State for the Colonies), 'owing to Sir P. Mcßride's indisposition, presided. He said that the Hon. Mr. Robinson was eminently qualified to strengthen the relations between this eeuntry and Victoria. Mr. Eobinson, in reply, said it seemed to him that one of the chief problems It Europe was the food question. They jebtttt not hope to get order until there wire adequate food supplies. He was rare Australia would do her best to ■apply all she eould. Australia was deeply interested in the settlement of problems affecting Europe, and he urged that if people in the Home country were at any time confronted with unemployment they should turn their attention to parts of the Empire requiring extra o'tfeens. Lord Milner, replying to the toast of •The Chairman," referred to the contßßWmy over the proposal to separate the .Overseas Settlement Office from the Colonial Office. Personally he thought a great deal could be said for the transfer. The matter was not one of extreme urgency, and probably would not be decided until the great Imperial Conference in 1921. The work of the Colonial Office was so great and varied that he believed it would be to the Dominions' benefit to have the work divided. The Colonial Office had long ceased to control the self-governing colonies and dominions. The work it Bow performed was rather of a diplomatic character, and the Colonial Office only came to their assistance when asked.—Aug.-N.Z. Cable Assn.