PROGRESS OF THE DOMINION

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21084, 8 February 1934, Page 9

PROGRESS OF THE DOMINION

Praise in London "GALLANT BEARING" IN DEPRESSION I (united press association—bt el*ci*ic ' TELEGRAPH —COPYRIGHT.) (Received February 7, 8.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 7. "The Times," in a leading article, ; says that the picturesque ceremony at Waitangi and the observances in London, where a large dinner was ■ held, remind the Empire of New : Zealand's progress, i "The Times" pays a tribute to the ; Dominion's gallant bearing during ' the period of the depression and de- . Clares that the future is not in doubt. It refers hopefully to the es- . tablisliment of a central bank, and [ adds that everything is being done to take full advantage of the improvement in trade now commencing. Already there are encouraging signs that the turning-point has been reached. AGAINST QUOTAS HIGH COMMISSIONER'S SPEECH ) MINISTER'S SYMPATHY ) (Received February 7, 7.5 p.m.) ! LONDON, February 7. ! At the New Zealand dinner held to coincide with the Waitangi celebrations, Sir James Parr (High Commissioner), referring to a possible redistribution of the Dominion s imports, said: If you exclude us we will be compelled to seek foreign markets which are unobtainable unless we agree to reciprocal purchases from foreigners, resulting in decreased purchases from Great Britain.

Mr J. 11. Thomas (Secretary of State for the Dominions) declared he fully understood the bitterness of New Zealand farmers at the suggested restrictions. It was asking a young and growing nation to act against its natural instincts to say "You must not expand," but British policy was designed to help the whole Empire. Mr Thomas paid a tribute to Sir Thomas Wilford, and welcomed Sir James Parr. VISIT TO X.Z. INVITATION TO MR THOMAS MODIFIKI) KMIMKK TO I■ It I.IK ELY (Received February 7, 8.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 7.

At the New Zealand dinner, Sir James Parr (High Commissioner) urged Mr J. H. Thomas (Secretary of State for the Dominions) to visit Australia and New Zealand as soon as possible, assuring him of a very hearty welcome. Interviewed by the Press Association after the dinner, Mr Thomas said Australia had invited him to visit the Commonwealth, and obviously he could not do so without also visiting New Zealand. It will be recalled that in 1931 Mr Thomas had completed arrangements for a tour of the Empire to prepare the way for the Ottawa Conference, but Mr Mac Donald's desire that all Ministers should remain at their posts during the economic crisis caused the cancellation of his plan. It is understood that on this occasion there is more likelihood of a modified tour being carried out.