THE ROBINSON PEERAGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 July 1922, Page 5

THE ROBINSON PEERAGE.

declined by recipient. * : By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. . London, June 29. Following the Parliamentary agitation in connection with the preferment to honors,' arising principally out of the birthday peerage to the South African, Sir Joseph Robinson, the Lord Chancellor read in the House of Lords a letter Sir J. Robinson wrote to Mr. Lloyd George declining a peerage. Sir J. Robinson further stated that he never sought the honor. He was too old to have much concern about honors and dignities. He was sorry the incident has eaused so much Parliamentary ill-feeling. Lord Birkenhead, explaining, said the Secretary for the Colonies was not consulted regarding Sir J. Robinson’s case, as should have been done, in order to exercise his constitutional duty and acquaint himself with the opinion and de- 1 sire of the Dominion. He added that it was realised that no British citizen, resident or primarily belonging to a Dominion, ought ever to be recommended for an honor in t his country, except with the assent and approval of the Government. The House could consider that pronouncement as an official one, which would undoubtedly be a guide for action in the future. It will be remembered that, at the time the peerage vas conferred, General Smuts informed the South African Parliament that he had not recommended Sir J. Robinson. POSITION OF LORD VESTEY. WHY HE WENT TO ARGENTINA. Received June. 30, 8.20 p.m. ■ London, June 29. In the House of Lords. Lord Lan«i • downe, speaking regarding Sir J. Robinson s letter declining a peerage, saidj Sir J. Robinson’s action extricated the Government from an absolutely able position. Lord Straehey called the attention of/j t he House of fiords to the peerage con- r ferred on Lord Vestey, alleging that Lord Vestey transferred his business to® Buenos Ayres in order to avoid the high* English taxation. Lord Vestej’ replied that he transferred his foreign business to Argentina because of high taxation and American competition, but his English business remained and hr paid English taxes. It ' * became a question whether he should sell the business to his American competitors or build works in countries whence Britain imported meat. Before he did so he tried to come to an rangement with the British Government in order to enable him to compete with Americans on equal terms, but the Government could not suggest a remedy. If this course had not been taken the American meat companies, would have eliminated their chief eom-% petitor.—Aus.-NJi. Cable Assn.