THE PRIME MINISTER

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 105, 29 January 1924, Page 6

THE PRIME MINISTER

WELCOMED BY CITIZENS “FREEMAN OF TEN CITIES” WORK OF THE CONFERENCE The Prime Minister, who returned to Wellington on Saturday, was tendered a civic reception at the Town Hall ytesterday afternoon. The Concert Chamber was comfortably filled. The Mayor (Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P.) presided, and on tho platform were Cabinet Ministers, councillors, leading citizens, and public officials. Tho Mayor, who presided, said they were not gathered to talk politics, but to realise the Prime Minister’s position, and that he was back home, and about to give an account of his stewardship at the Imperial Conference. There was a great/deal of work, and Mr. Massey did not shirk his duty. (Hoar, hear). Three main topics, discussed at the conference-, were the unity of the Empire, better commercial relations, and plans for defence. Mr. Massey was described as the “Father of the Conference,” because of the wholesome advice he would be able to ° “He is the last of the Mohicans,” said Mr. Wright, referring to the fact that Mr. Massey was the only Prime Minister who attended both the last conferences. New .Zealand liad a fine name at Home; this was greatly du® to Mr. Massey’s personality and the great work he had done; and to the fine work of New Zealand’s soldiers. A Freeman of ten cities, Mr Massey was the first overseas statesman to receive the freedom of London. Among his treasured presents was a history of Windsor Castle from the King, and a gift from a working men’s club. The Mayor referred to. Mr. Massey s receptions in Ireland, Canada, and the United States, where he endeavoured to improve the relationship with Britain. . _ Reciting Mr. Massey’s career in New Zealand, the Mayor said Mr. Massey was none the worse for his many ik>litical battles, and expressed pleasure at seeing him looking so well. Citizens, regardless of their political opinions, extended to him a cordial and hearty welcome home. (Cheers-) Mr. Massey’s Reply. Mr. Massey, who was accorded cheers on rising to respond, expressed his thanks for the welcome given him. The work of the two conferences, sitting at one time, made his task a heavy one, ho said. Further, he had but one assistant, his secretary., while other Dominion Prime Ministers brought as many as a dozen experts with them. He instanced the need of shortening distances of travel between Britain and the Dominions, and of speeding up tho mails, and quoted his experience of getting to London in three days less than the scheduled time. If they could carry a passenger so quickly, they should carry the mails as quickly.- (Hear, hear.) With tho Postmaster-General and his other colleagues he was going to see what could be done in expediting the mails. (Hear, hear.) Air Transit and Wireless. A good deal had been said about carrying mails by airship, but he could not forget the enormous wind pressure, and the liability cf accident. ’For some t‘ime he thought they would have to give up all idea cf tir transit of mails. In regard to Wireless, however, it was possible to have a great advance. Messages could now be sent from England to New Zealand, if the Dominion had a station powerful enough to receive and transmit. England was now erecting a high-power station, and the New Zealand Government would have to consider establishing a high-power station also. They would not delay long. Mr. Massey complimented New Zealand on being the first to return to penny postage.

“When they made me a Freeman of ten cities it was of New Zealand, and not of me, that they were thinking,” observed the Prime Minister, amid laughter. “New Zealand stands particularly well at Home; it is the favourite Dominion,” he said, amid applause. “They have not forgotten the. gallant deeds of our soldiers. English folk told me repeatedly of the hospitality of the people here, the beauty of the scenery, and the prospects of our race. I heard to-day of a. number of people going Home, to join the millions at the Empire Exhibition. They will get a great welcome.” (Applause.) Empire Exhibition.

The Prime Minister commended the Exhibition to the people as an opportunity for our producers; as well as to the manufacturer at Home. They should be able' to show their customers what they could produce in wool, meat, butter, cheese, timbers, fish, and flax. Besides these there should bo a good display of the work of the New Zealand workman. Visiting Yorkshire, Sheffield, Wolverhampton, and oilier industrial centres, he was agreeoiy surprised at the knowledge about New Zealand and the interest in her affairs. Four thousand miles of snow was the experience of Mr. Massey in returning from New York to V-ia •uuve r . He spoke gratefully of the Canact’an Government’s hospitality on the 'ouiney. “It was a very neighbourly setion,' and I promptly invited them to New Zealand. We are goal neighbours, and I hope we will continue so.” (Applause,) The Prime Minister referred to the satisfactory progress of wool and primary produce on the Home market. His remarks on this subject ind <n Imperial preference are reported elsewhere.