MR. MASSEY AT HAWERA.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 April 1921, Page 4

MR. MASSEY AT HAWERA.

Although Mr. Massey, when speaking at Hawera on Thursday, did not attempt to give a comprehensive review of the affairs of the Dominion, he touched on several matters of great importance, particularly in relation to his forthcoming visit to London. Those who thought the Premier would make a fighting speech on Mr. Dixon’s behalf were probably disappointed, but the main body of public opinion will doubtless endorse Mr. Massey’s view that the evil of the day is the existence of too much polities and too little patriotism, therefore the need for putting the interests of the country before those of party. There can be no question that Mr. Massey’s presence at the Premiers’ Conference in June will be in the best interests of the country and of the Empire. T ie matters to be considered at the Conference are of supreme importance, and the decisions arrived at will have a marked effect on the future of the Empire, especially as regards increased solidarity, effective defence and unity of purpose. Mr. Massey may confidently be trusted not only to act imperially, but to uphold the dignity of the Dominion he represents. Moreover, while in the Old Country he will have the opportunity of endeavoring to be of great service to New Zealand by settling outstanding questions concerning freights, shipping and realisation of produce, besides which it may be assumed he will do all in his power to obtain the promise of loan money which is so urgently required to relieve the financial stringency in the Dominion, and save it from being bled dry. All who have read Mr. Massey’s speech must have been struck with the intense faith he places in the league of British nations and its effect on keeping the peace of the earth Rightly, we think, be relies more on such a league, with its indissoluble ties, than on the League of Nations, and the coming conference should go far to place such a federation of Empire units on a basis so firm that it will stand the test of all times. This aim can only be achieved by a permanent Imperial executive empowered to deal with foreign affairs, treaties, and other Imperial matters as they arise, and it is probable steps will be taken by the Conference to set on foot an organisation for this purpose. On the question of naval defence, the Premier appears to accept Lord Jellicoe’s views as to the need for capital ships, but this is a matter for naval experts rather than for statesmen. So far as the affairs of the Dominion were touched upon by Mr. Massey, it is pleasing to note the satisfactory terms in which he spoke of the soldier settlers. It cannot, however, be said that his references to public expenditure, economy and the prospects .of

reduced taxation were either new or convincing. No one objects to the increase in the payment of civil servants, for the rise in the cost of living made that inevitable, but there is no question that the times demand the overhaul of ail our big Spending departments with a view to seeing that full value is being obtained for expenditure, which during the past few years lias been growing out of all proportion to revenue and results. In wishing Mr. Massey bon voyage, a profitable time in Britain, and a safe return, we voice the feeling of the country generally, and Taranaki in particular. He has a free hand, and will assuredly rise to the occasion, and do his best for the future of the Empire and the Dominion,