ARDUOUS WORK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 198, 22 August 1932, Page 7

ARDUOUS WORK.

KING'S APPRECIATION.

Achievements Justify Previous High Hopes. REAL BENEFIT TO EMPIRE. (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 12 noon.) OTTAWA, August 21. Before declaring the Empire Economic Conference closed the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. R. B. Bennett, read the following reply from His Majesty to a loyal message, amid tense silence, the whole assem'bly standing. The King said: — Your work has been arduous and intricate but I rejoice to think that your achievement has justified the high expectations with which the conference began and that you have been able not only to conclude important practical agreements for the promotion of trade within the Empire, but also to adopt principles to help its future development. I am confident that the results of your labours, and the spirit of cooperation and mutual helpfulness which has brought about their success, will be of real benefit to my peoples. I wish you all God speed and a safe and happy journey homeward. The galleries of the House of Commons were crowded largely with the delegates' womenfolk for the closing scene. A table had been placed in the centre of the Chamber for the leaders of the delegations. The Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. R. B. Bennett, presided. On his right were Messrs. Stanley Baldwin (Britain), J. G. Coates (New Zealand), S. T. O'Kelly (Irish Free State) and Sir Atul Chatterjee (India). On his left were Messrs. S. M. Bruce (Australia), N. C. Havenga (South Africa) and F. C. Alderdice (Newfoundland). The assemblage stood while Mr. Bennett read an address to the King conveying an assurance of the devotion and affection of the Empire peoples. No mention was made of the fact that the Irish Free State was the only delegation which had not made an agreement with Britain. It was announced that other bilateral agreements had been concluded as follows:—With Canada: By South Africa, the Irish Free State and Rhodesia. With South Africa: By New Zealand and the Irish Free State.

The Leads of the delegations proceeded to sign the agreements in duplicate, Parliamentary officers carrying the beribboned and sealed documents to each delegate in turn. The atmosphere of the Chateau Laurier, the headquarters of the conference delegations, was transformed in 24 hours. Formerly the lobbies were thronged with delegates and their staffs, visitors and eager newspapermen. Now, although only one train load of conference people has departed, there is an air of peacefulness and emptiness about the gilded halls. Most of those delegates who are remaining are making up arrears of sleep which they missed in the past hectic few days and nights. The considered view ie that the conference achieved a great deal. Australia, New Zealand and Canada suffered varying degrees of disappointment on the most vital matters, but emerged with definite advantages. The result is such as—given an early rise of prices—should materially assist the revival. Whereas the agreements will operate for five years, the fact that Britain, notably regarding the meat restrictions, has taken the power to cancel arrangements, indicates that the Dominions on their part might successfully urge reconsideration ot certain provisions of the compact in the light of the experience of their working. Undoubtedly Ottawa has laid the foundations of closer business partnership between the Empire countries.