N.Z. MINISTERS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16550, 16 June 1919, Page 6

N.Z. MINISTERS.

ENTERTAINED AT FAREWELL

LUNCHEON

VIEWS ON THE CONFERENCE.

(PBESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.)

WELLINGTON, June 15

The official correspondent with the Now Zealand Peace Delegation cables as follows under date London June l-lth. Mr Massoy and Sir Joseph "Ward wore entertained at luncheon by the High Commissioner prior to their impending departure for New Zealand. A very large number of New Zealanders and others were present. Mr Massey's health was proposed by Mr J. Cathairb "VYascn, M.l\, formerly of New Zealand, and Sir Joseph Ward's l>y Mr \\. Pem•bor Reeves. Referring to the work of the I eacei Conference, Mr Massoy said that unfortunately many diverse issues were dealt with in tho early stages, thus causing many Tlclays, but much important 'work liacl been done. It had to be remembered that world-wide alterations of boundaries and the settlement of tho varied claims of over a score of nations could not be accomplished quickly and give complete satisfaction. A stage of important developments had been i cached. and within a few days the Gorman delegates would be com nulled either to sign, or refuse definitely"and accept tho consequences. He felt certain that in any case the people throughout tho Empire would courageously do' tho right tiling. As regards Samoa, New Zealand would hare preferred the British Government to have taken control, but this was impossible under the mandatory system, therefore the jiext best thing was for New Zealand to accept control and make sure that Samoa would never again be under a foreign Power. New ho felt sure, accepted the responsibility without hesitation, and would do its best to mnka tho islands prosperous and the inhabitants contented. He believed that in future New Zealand, with its denendencies, would become a strrng British community in tho South Pacific. He had no fear for the future so far as NewZealand was concerned, and felt coniident that the people would do their share in any crisis that might arise. British people everywhere must take up energetically a. policy of development,, and become independent of other nations for their most important requirements.

Sir Joseph Ward snid the Empire had to meet an unparalleled position as regards linance. Only two things would help the taxpayer to carry the burden. The?e were: (11 Enormously increased production. (2) A determination to save in directions not hitherto contemplated. It was to bo regretted that some of the great men at the Peice Conference were very often misunderstood as to what thoy were really doinf under extraordinary difficulties. The general feeling was that wo were not goinrr to lose the war by having a bad peace.