EMPIRE TOUR

Evening Star, Issue 21640, 8 February 1934, Page 9

EMPIRE TOUR

THE DOMINIONS' SECRETARY HEARTY WELCOME ASSURED Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, February 7. Interviewed by the Press Association after the “ New Zealand Day ” dinner, Mr J. H. Thomas said that 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 Mr Thomas in 1931 completed arrangements for a tour of the Empire to prepare the way for the Ottawa agreement, but Mr MacDonald’s desire that all Ministers should remain at their posts during the economic crisis caused a cancellation. It is understood that on this occasion there is more likelihood that a modified tour will be carried out. Sir James Parr urged Mr Thomas to visit Australia and New Zealand at the earliest possible moment, assuring him of the heartiest welcome. Referring to possible redistribution of the dominion’s imports, he said; “If you exclude us we shall be compelled to seek foreign markets, which are unobtainable unless we agree reciprocally to purchase from foreigners, resulting in decreased purchases from Britain.” Mr Thomas declared that ho fully understood the New Zealand farmers’ bitterness at the suggested restrictions. “It is asking a young, growing nation to act contrary to its natural instincts to say that it must not expand, but the British policy is designed to help the whole Empire.” He paid a tribute to Sir Thomas Wilford’s services and welcomed Sir James Parr.