THE PRIME MINISTER

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 137, 8 December 1919, Page 7

THE PRIME MINISTER

CIVIC RECEETTON AT MARTON.

(BT TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

MARTON, This Day.

The Right Hon. W. F. Massey was given a civic reception at Marton on Saturday. The station was decorated with bunting, and music was supplied by an orchestra. There was a big attendance, and the Prime Minister received .1 good reception. The Mayor read an addreßS expressing appreciation of the excellent results obtained by Mr. Massey's dignified filling of the position of chief representative of the Dominion, at the historical Peace Conference. Warm appreciation was expressed of the_ way in which he had grasped the situation, also of the results following his efforts to obtain the mandate for New Zealand to administer Samoa and Nauru. Peace had a tendency, said the Mayor, to make the community forgetful, and therefore, quite apart from political considerations, he wished to assure Mr. Massey of the grateful appreciation of the public of his services for New Zealand, which were so warmly welcomed by the Motherland and the centre of the British Empire. Replying, Mr. Massey congratulated the Dominion on its share in the war, and Marton on its quota of men sent, and its share in production.- For all time, as long as the Empire lasted —and it would lftst for ever —representatives of tho Dominions would be on the Committee of Advice. Nauru Island would be of considerable value to New Zealand. We must have fertilisers. As to the control of Samoa, we need not allow it to pass to au enemy Power. There would be no indentured labour under British control. Samoa would pay its way. We were up against tho serious problems of reconstruction, not only for New Zealand, but for the Empire. We should develop our resources. We should also do our share in the matter o fnaval defence, as well in the matter of naval defence, as well on her naval supremacy. Mr. Massey concluded by returning thanks for the kindly thought which prompted the reception. (Cheers,)