NEARING HOME.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 5, 7 January 1931, Page 7

NEARING HOME.

MR. FORBES IN PERTH.

New Zealand Leader Reviews Conference.

NEW BRITISH POINT OF VIEW,

(United P.A.-Electric Telegraph-Copyright) PERTH, January C. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. G. W. Forbes, accompanied by Mrs. Forbes and the members of his party, arrived by the Ormonde to-day. He looked and confessed himself to be in the best of health, after a remarkably pleasant voyage. • Mr. Forbes was met at the wharf by his brother, Mr. Len Forbes, who is now farming in West Australia, his I brother-in-law, Mr. P. Ledsham, originally a New Zealander, Mr. C. Taylor, of Christchurch, and Mr. E. M. Sauuders, formerly of Christchurch. In the course of an Interview, Mr. Forbes said his visit to the Imperial Conference had been invaluable from the standpoint of an interchange of views with the Dominion representatives,'but the practical outcome of the conference had been somewhat disappointing, 6win<* to the hard held political beliefs of, the British Government's representatives. However, there- could be no mistaking the rapid development of a distinctly different point of view among the British people. The conference would undoubtedly help forward the crystallisation of a much broader Imperial policy. The. foundation had been laid for important developments, possibly leading to a better trade understanding -and a closer association of ■ the constituent parts of the Empire. It would .not surprise liim, said Mr. Forbes, if welcome events moved more rapidly.than originally expected. - His journey through Canada had left the .impression that big things were looming there. ■ Huge areas had. yet to be brought to fruition, and only the opening chapters had so far been written of Canadian progress. The chief drawback was the climate, which compelled quiescence during winter, hampering stock raising. New Zealand hy comparison enjoyed two seasons, and for attractiveness his homeland was "an easy first." Mr. Forbes said he was most anxious to get back to New Zealand, as many questions were being held up there, pending his return. Mi\ Forbes and Mr. J. H. Scullin, the Prime Minister of Australia, were the guests of the West Australian Government at luncheon. Before the luncheon, Mr. Forbes was motored through the city, and taken to the new trotting course, where--he saw many pictures of former New Zealand horses which had done well in important-events in West Australia. . Mr. Scullin, in an interview, "said that while- abroad he had learned, a great deal about .the worjd depression. Representatives ..of all,'the parties in the British Commonwealth, were drawn closer together afc .the Imperial Conference, and the view was generally shared that it would require the earnest efforts of every section of the community to place' their countries on the high road to prosperity. Mr. Scullin .and Mr. Forbes were welcomed on board the Ormonde by the Australian Minister of Defence, . ' ~ ,