THE RETURNED MINISTERS.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15939, 28 June 1917, Page 7

THE RETURNED MINISTERS.

ENTERTAINED AT "WELLINGTON. (PHESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, June 26. Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward were accordcd a civic reception to-day. Mr Massoy stated tliev had negotiated with the Imperial Government for the produce it reuuired for the people. They had taken up the positio.n that whilo the producers were entitled to a fair profit they did not desire to exiract the last farthing from the Imperial Government. They had been able to arrange for a fair price for the wool and meat. Next in order of importance came cheese, hides, and skins. Referring to his visit to the front, Mr Massey said he did not think anything moro could be done for our men than was being done at present. The.v were well fed, well equipped, and well looked after generally. The Imperial Conference had dealt with the subject of preference in regard to the Customs tariff. Our products had gone into Britain free, but so had the products of enemv countries. There would be a change in that respect i n the future. He declared that Germany could not have her colonial possessions restored. Dealing with the accuracy of the cabled reports of his speeches, Mr Massey said hp had bee n criticised for a speech made bv General Smuts.

Sir Joseph Ward said that they were working for the continuance of the British Empire after the war. Before the war both political parties at Homo were against a standing army, with the result that only 100.000 men could bo sent, across the Channel to check the Germans. Britain had now raised an army of 4.000,000. and the enemv had discovered that the "reatest factor in the war was Britain. The strength of the British Isles had been made more invulnerable than before bv their combination with the oversea Dominions. Then there wa s the last combination with the United States which made it impossible fo r the Central Powers to hopo for victory. NO PREMATURE PEACE. THE GRIT AND COURAGE OF THE NEW ZEALANDERS. (PXIESS ASSOCIATION" TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, June 27. 3lr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward were'entertained at a civic luncheon fcv the Mayor. Thov both referred further to their visit to Britain and to i matters connected with tho war. j Mr Massey urged that tho pcoplo of New Zealand should sot their faces igainst a premature peace. Tho war ihould be continued until final victory was achieved, and sacrifices necessary to that end should be inado without grumbling. Ho mentioned that before leaving London he was informed confidentially that tho New Zealanders were going to take Messines. Tho Dominion troops were counted upon confidently when grit and courage wero required.