LORD CRAIGAVON

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 32, 7 February 1930, Page 7

LORD CRAIGAVON

OFFICIAL LUNCHEON

LEGISLATIVE FUNCTION

PRODUCE MARKETING

A Parliamentary luncheon was held yesterday in honour of the visit of the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland (Viscount Craigavon).

In the absence of the Prime Minister, the Minister of. Lands (the Hon. G. Forbes) presided, and others with the guest at the head table wero the Chief Justice (Sir Michael Myers), aevcral members of Cabinet —the Hon. Sir Thomas Sidey, the Hon. W. A. Veitch, the Hon. P. A. do la Pcrrelle, the Hon. J. B. Donald, the Hon. E. A. Kansom, and the Hon. J. G. Cobbe—the Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup), Mr. L. A. Paisli (British Trade Commissioner),, the Eight Hon. Sir Francis Bell, M.L.C., the Speaker of the Legislative Council (the Hon. Sir Walter Carncross), Mr. C. J. B. Norwood (representing the Harbour Board), and Mr. A. C. Day (representing Government House). Members of the Legislative Council present were the lions. J. Barr, J. Craigie, W. Earnshaw, Sir W. HallJones, L. M. Isitt, W. H. M'lutyrc, G. J. Smith, and T. S. Weston. The House of Representatives was represented by a large gathering of members—Messrs. C. H. Chapman, W. H. Meld, P. Fraser, A. Harris, D. Jones, 11. S. S. Kyle, J. A. Macpherson, T. Makitanara, A. J. Murdoch, S. G. Smith (Chairman of. Committees), G. B. Sykes, R. A. Wright, and Colonel T. W. M'Donald. Mr. D. Ardell represented the Internal Af-iirs Department, Mr. C. A. Berendsen the External Affairs Department, Mr. J. W. Collins the- Industries and Commerce Department, Captain J. S. G. Fraser tho Navy Department, Mr. F. D. Thomson aiid Mr. P. B. B. Nichoils, and Mr. V. A. Ward the Prime Minister's Department, Mr. P. Verschaffelt the Public Service, and Major-Gen-eral R. Young the Defence Department. Others present were Mr. E. W. Kane (Clerk of Parliaments), the Key. J. ' Baird (president of the Ulster Association), Mr. S. Campbell (president New Zealand Manufacturers' Association). A PROMINENT EMPIRE FIGURE. The toast of "The Guest" was proposed by the Hon. G. W. Forbes, who expressed, regret that the Prim© Minister was absent through illness.. Nevertheless, he sent his good wishes. Mr. Forbes also announced that Sir Joseph Ward was steadily improving in health. Lord Craigavon was one of the prominent figures in the British Empire. He tad proved himself a strong lighter in the cause of the integrity of the Empire in Ireland', and it was pleasing to know that the best ideals had been preserved in that "most distressful country." Mr. Forbes commented on the object upon which Lord Craigavon had: come to -New Zealand—to see more of the British Empire —and said such visits helped to create a better understanding between the various parts of the Empire. Lord Craigavon-had seen much of the Dominion, and one wondered: what comparisons he mad© between it'ahd the "Emerald Isle." He ihopeil-Lord Craigavon felt there wero many things in New Zealand that were "worth seeing. No doubt the visit was flue to tho late Mr. Massey, who had lost no opportunity when abroad of speaking of his own country and its scenery and productivity. Mr. Forbes •went on to refer to tlin .favourable conditions, under which New Zealaud produce was produced, sill of which must have been of interest to Lord Craigavon on his tour through the country. ;New Zealand wished to extend to their,'distinguished yisitor the very best, hospitality, and hoped he would depart a good ambassador for this distant corlier ,of the Empire.' . THE VISITOR'S REPLY. In Teplying, Lord Craigavon joined ill the expression of regret at Sir Joseph Ward's absence, and said he ■was glad to know of his steady improvement in health. He hoped that if he was able to go to the Imperial Conference he would visit Ulster, where they would be pleased to meet him. He said he had been thrilled at the prospect of visiting New Zealand, and that thrill, far from having subsided, was still .strong within him, and his only regret was that ho could not stay longer. He had seen a great deal of deep interest in the country. Ho expressed the opinion that not half enough was being done to promote Imperial trade. Discussing tho question of road versus railway competition, Lord Craig.ivou said ho spoke of the •pressing nature of.the problem in.other parts'-of the world. He spoke appreciatively of the attention given him by the New Zealand Railway Department during his stay, and spoke also of the kindness that had been shown him T>y the Tourist and Internal Affairs Departments. He had kept his eyes open "with a view to gathering information for Ulster, and it had all been vory instructive. He had been much impressed ■with the cleanliness observed in tho handling and preparation of our butter End cheese, and expressed the view that the care shown was not excelled anywhere in the world. He had also been struck with our wonderful herds of cattle and the condition of the land, with the fine sheep runs and the methods employed in preparing carcasses for export. He asked, however, whether wo wero convinced that tho same excellent system was sufficiently followed through" to the consumer at the other end, and he suggested that careful inquiry should be made in that regard. It seemed n shame if after all the care and anxiety shown in tho preparation of the meat in New Zealand the fullest consumption was not assured at Home. He advocated following its course into the consumers' homes, for much of it was sold merely as mutton and.without duly stressing the palatableness of tho New Zealand product. There were nt Homo many of great influence who could bring their influence to bear in making New Zealand's attractions and products better known. It would do New Zealand good to attract that class of tourist, for they would carry back with them, good reports of the country's beauties. MARKETING OF LAMB. In regard to improving the marketing of our lamb, Lord Craigavon suggested that the Government should send Homo someone specially "to start that sheep through tho gap," and he personally would be only too delighted to do everything in his power to help. (Applause.) New Zealand should not be too self-centred and keop her good things to herself; she should seek to spread knowledge of it abroad. Uy so doing New Zealand would bo doing sHH more to make the link still lighter that bound together the various parts of the Empire. Lord Craigavon also urged the- Government to make regulations to preserve the country's scenery.