EMPIRE BONDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 June 1921, Page 5

EMPIRE BONDS.

PROBLEMS. HELP OF THE DOMINIONS. 'TRIBUTE TO OVERSEA PREMIERS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received June 26, 5.5 p.m. London, June 24. The United Kingdom Parliamentary Association tendered a dinner to the Premiere’ Conference delegates and two hundred others in the Royal Gallery of the House of Lords. Lord Birkenhead presided. The banners presented by the Dominions were flown, amid decorations of flowers and the Tricolor. New Zealanders present included Sir James Allen, Sir John Findlay, Sir Wm. Hall Jones, Sir William Herries and Sir Thomas Mackenzie. Mr. Lloyd George was unable to attend, owing to medical advice, ijut other Ministers were present. Lord Birkenhead, who proposed the /toast “Our Overseas Colleagues”, said the Parliamentary spirit was one of the strongest bonds of union between the Empire and the people. The afterma v a of war brought unrest among the industrial populations of the w’orld, and evilminded people tried to take advantage of this condition to utilise propaganda as part of an unscrupulous conspiracy. The feeling© of common interest between Britain and the Dominions were the best for the Empire and the best for each Dominion. Britain appreciated, not only ffie self-sacrifice, but the single-hearted purpose with which the visitors faced leiicate problems. Mr. Hughes had told aim that the criticisms levelled at the Lloyd George Government, compared with those chronic in Australia, might oe called nauseating eulogy. (Laughter.) Lord Birkenhead said* Mr. Hughes jtood in the nature of a political lighthouse, pointing the way and bringing sncouragement in the darkest hours. His aever faltering courage was of the great?st advantage to the race and the Emoire during the gravest hours of the war. Mr. Massey was another from a far Dominion bringing words of hope. Though the Homeland was facing the nost trying blast of the industrial dorm he hoped the visitors would see ,t win through before leaving. Mr. A. Meighen (Premier of Canada) md Mr. Smartt (South Africa) respond.•d.

Sir J. H. Whitley proposed the toast ‘Parliaments of the Empire”, extending i special welcome to his Indian col-

eagues. Mr. W. M. Hughes, responding, said ■t would be desirable if each Dominion jould have a representative in the Foeign Office. He hoped America would listen to what the Dominions have to ;ay, and he thought the sentiments must ippeal to them, coming from eommuni;ies which were going through the seme process of development as their own. He aoped America would join with the British Empire in taking a definite step towards a halt in the race of armaments. Mr. W. F. Massey supported Mr. Hughes. He said he hoped the conference would result in benefit, not only to the Empire, but to the world. Mr. Sastri (India) also spoke regarding the aspirations of India.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Received June 26, 5.5 p.m. London, June 25.

At the House of Lords dinner to the Dominion delegates there was a brilliant gathering. Mr. Massey, in response to the toast “The Dominions”, made a strong plea for British unity. A house divided against itself could not stand; there must be a sinknig of differences and a combating of influences which might be at work to bring about the weakening and disintegration of the Em-pire.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.