PREMIERS AT GUILDHALL

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 October 1930, Page 7

PREMIERS AT GUILDHALL

EMPIRE GOOD-FELLOWSHIP

NOTABLE SPEECHES

[BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.]

LONDON, October 2.

There was a brilliant gathering at a dinner given at the Guildhall by the Royal Empire Society, the British Empire League, the Overseas League, the British Empire Club and the Victoria League, to the members of the Imperial Conference and their womenfolk. Prince Arthur of Connaught presided. He had Mrs Scullin on his left and Miss Bennett on his right. Mr Forbes, Mrs Forbes, Sir Thos. Sidey (New Zealand) and Mr Parker Moloney (Australia) were all at the top of the table. There was a large number of Australians present. Prince Arthur, of Connaught, asked the Prime Ministers to carry home to their people of all parties, classes and creeds “an expression of our abiding and unalterable affection, goodwill and sympathy.” Mr Bennett, described the Guildhall as containing monuments and memorials of those who had made the Empire possible. In the diversity of its peoples, talents and resources lay the real strength of the Empire. “That diversity,” he said, “we are trying to use to create harmony. Before us lies the task of Empire consolidation. We must think of the Empire as an economic unit. If we but. keep faith witli one another, we can achieve unity. The Empire is not bankrupt in statecraft. Our steadfast purpose is to do our part, in maintaining the Empire in its great, place among the peoples of the world.” Mr J. H. Scullin said that the Imperial Conference was a family gathering and continued: “We are being entertained in London —too true! When we think of the dinners and lunches we have had, with more that are to follow, we think that Artemus Ward was right when he said he had drunk so many healths that he was afraid of losing his own. We came here to work. Please let us work! There are people who wonder how the nations of the British Commonwealth have kept together. Onlookers might think that there was something dividing us when we are so busy defining our status; but, the greater the freedom, the greater the unity! The silken bonds of kinship are stronger than iron bands! I believe that any attempt to replace those silken threads by iron bands will not help unity.” Mr Scullin continued that he brought a message from those children of the pioneers who were building up a nation, but who loved the home of their fathers which they themselves had never seen. It was many years since the hearts of the people of the British Commonwealth had beat so closely together as to-day. “Let us,” he said, “resolve to build up a greater and a more lasting prosperity for our people. If we cannot find work and organise security for our workers, then we have failed to represent the people!” MR FORBES’ MISSION. Mr Forbes said that his mission was for the consolidation of the Empire. In this time of difficulty, in which self help was an important factor, the main problem was the finding within the Empire of profitable markets for its increasing production. Admittedly there were difficulties, but the family spirit of give and take would overcome them. General Hertzog said: “I have no fault to find with the motives inducing you to entertain us—the desire for advancing the good fellowship and understanding between the various parts of the Empire. That desire I fully share. Take away co-operation, and nothing would be left of the British Commonwealth but an empty name. Where good fellowship exists, there is no need to seek for co-oper-ation with a divining rod. Before 1926, no good South African Nationalist could have supported Imperial cooperation. To-day, I and the other Nationalists stand forth as advocates of Imperial co-operation.” (Cheers.) Mr J. H. Thomas summed up the Conference’s task as that of giving practical effect to the eloquent, phrases of the evening. He said that phrases and perorations did not solve problems.

Late in the evening an unusual scene was created by a pale youth walking up, and taking a place behind Mr Thomas, and shouting: “I’m twenty-one. 1 have passed through Charterhouse and Cambridge. Solomon prayed for wisdom. I do the same. I am speaking on behalf of humanity, and I want your help!” At this there were cries of “Order!

.Sit down!” They resulted in attendants leading out the youth, who, as Jhe left the building, stated that he did not represent any movement, and ('did not need any personal help. “I’m ‘thinking of my country,” he said, “and I want the youth to have a chance!”

PREMIERS’ MEETINGS. LONDON, October 2. The discussions in Imperial Conference circles indicate that the outstanding speeches at the opening session, were those of Mr Scullin and General Hertzog. Mr Scullin’s speech created an impression for its strength, colour, and delivery, even though Mr Scullin was performing an unaccustomed task in reading from a manuscript. General Hertzog commanded attention largely on the score of surprise from the fact that he only lightly touched on the constitutional issue, which he had been expected to stress, but. .instead brought out economic factors in a telling speech. The Heads of the Delegations met again in Downing Street this afternoon. Mr Ramsay MacDonald presided. He discussed the procedure. The meeting referred certain items to the Conference Committee, on which the chairmen were appointed. The heads will meet again at ten o’clock to-morrow.

The economic experts will meet the Board of Trade. Sir Sydney Chapman has been elected the chairman. They in a preliminary way, discussed procedure. They meet again to-mor-row. Their Committee eventually will report to a plenary Conference. This committee has the right to call in any outside experts. The nature of 10-morrow’s work for the Conference indicates that deference has been paid to the Canadian Prime Minister, Mr Bennett’s viewpoint. Both Mr Scullin and Mr Forbes were ready to begin discussion immediately that they were required to do so. It has been intended to delve tomorrow straight into the economic issue, but Mr Bennett pointed out that ho bad only recently assumed office, and had only arrived yesterday, so he was not prepared to take up an inti mate discussion immediately.

PREFERENCE OPPOSED.

LABOUR JOURNAL’S CANDOUR

LONDON, October 2.

The “Daily Herald” in an editorial, says:—The Premiers of Australia and South Africa spoke frankly on the issue of ' imperial preference. We must be equally frank. Such pre fcrential tariffs as Mr Scullin and General Hertzog suggest would mean the establishment of a protection sys tern in this country, including taxation of the poor and raw material. To such a change the people of this country are opposed. The Dominion statesmen will blunder seriously if they take the trumpetings of Lords Rothermere and Beaverbrook for .the authentic voice of Great Britain. British Labour regards any attempt to regulate trade by taxing it as antiquated, and urges Mr Scullin and General Hertzog to consider whether it is not in the direction of bulk purchase by a public authority that cooperation is achievable.” The other papers suspend their comment on the preference question.

LAVISH HOSPITALITY.

LONDON, October 2.

Mr Scullin has been overwhelmed with invitations including those for his acceptance of the freedom of several of the cities, and notably that of Glasgow. A week-end visit, to Chequers Court is also being arranged for the Australian Prime Minister, but probably his first country experience will be his coining week-end visit to Liphook, in Hampshire, the delightful home of Lord Passfield, who, when he was Mr Sidney Webb, laboured long in social ideals that are dear to Mr Scullin’s heart.

THE WOMEN’S PART.

LONDON, October 2.

The women folk of the members of the Imperial Conference, like the delegates themselves, are almost overburdened with social engagements. Mrs Scullin has had to refuse all invitations for more than a week ahead. Lady Squares, the only member of Parliament from Newfoundland, is of the opinion that the delegates wives should do more than entertain and be entertained. They might, she says, helpfully meet and compare notes or the conditions in other Dominions. She says: “A woman mustjake an important part in governing. Mrs Forbes, on the other hand, thinks that a woman’s proper place is the home, and looking after her family.

PRAYER AT ABBEY.

LONDON, October 2. A specially- written prayer for the Imperial Conference’s deliberations is being said at Westminster Abbey.

OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION.

LONDON, October 2.

This morning’s communique states. The heads of delegations met at No. 10 Downing Street, to consider the best methods of dealing with the agenda. As a preliminary they discussed some constitutional questions and referred certain aspects of interImperial relations to a sub-committee under Lord Sankey’s chairmanship. The heads of the delegations will meet again to-morrow. The General Committee of Economic Experts further conferred. The Research Committee, under Lord Parmoor’s chairmanship, meets this afternoon.

GOVERNOR-GENERALS.

Criticism of the baldness of the communique had the result in the instantaneous packing of the room for the 5.30 p.m. talk, at which the journalists had the satisfaction of seeing Mr Thomas take the Spokesman’s chair and outline the arrangement under which he at frequent periods would give personal enlightenment on the course of the Conference. He bore out the previous statement that he would in nowise seek to interpret the Dominion viewpoints and, further, that there was not the slightest objection to Mr Scullin, Mr Forbes, or any other Prime Minister taking the Press into his confidence whenever he chose.

The first fact to emerge under the new order of publicity was the early raising of the question of GovernorGenerals. It is understood it was Mr Scullin who introduced the matter,

the Conference postulating that 1926, the variation of the Dominion’s status justified a direct approach to the King, on the appointment of a Governor-General,.

There are grounds for believing that a certain amount of shyness has hereto been shown hy the other Dominions, some of whom arc- inclined to think Mr Scullin would pe glad to be quit of an awkward problem in having a native-born Governor, and that he is trying to find a way to save the Cabinet’s face. Canada is unconcerned with the problem, and wants to get on with bigger things, notably economics. New Zealand is quite content to rely on Downing Street’s judgment, and to have the Imperial link maintained . through distinguish-' ed Britishers, while Mr Hertzog’s demeanour suggested that he is unwilling to add another shaft to the quiverful of mischief. Seemingly, none contested the right which Mr Scullin claimed. Just as Mr Thomas says, none challenge the right of secession, still a need exists for meeting all the viewpoints about Governors, and Lord Sankey’s Committee, on which Mr Garran will represent Australia, will thrash out an acceptable formula, even should it be found that the major question remains whether a nativeborn Governor may be appointed. Lord Sankey’s Committee naturally will not attempt to trench on His Majesty’s prerogative. If Mr Scullin desires to submit a group of Australian names for the King’s consideration, he will still be free to do so, but whether His Majesty, will approve is another matter. It may happen that alternative British names will be sent to Mr Scullin. Nothing emerging from the Conference will impair the Royal privilege, and nothing will change the natural course of events, when the Sovereign declines to accept the Minister’s advice. There is no hiding the fact that the MacDonald Ministry desires to make this conference on outstanding success, witli which to face the political battle which might break when Parliament reassembles. It is a happy circumstance that Malcolm MacDonald, who is his father’s personal conference secretary, was present at the Press Conference. »

ECONOMICS DISCUSSION

LONDON, October 2,

The stage is set for a full economic discussion on Monday morning. Mr Bennett will lead off with definite proposals. Mr Scullin is likely to follow with a full-throated plea for stronger preferences. New Zealand occupies an anomalous position, giving, yet not receiving, preferences. Her delegation. is obviously concerned about the Labour policy of free imports. They envisage the time in New Zealand’s own increased production, when it may be difficult for her to market the whole of her products in Britain, and consequently are anxious for a definite plan of securing her that market for which she will give reciprocal quid pro quo. It may be taken for granted that Mr Forbes will in nowise support bulk purchases, which he regards as impracticable. , It was Australia who had bulk purchases included in the agenda. Mr Maloney discusses it with Dr. Addison to-morrow, in preparation for Monday’s debate, in which it will not be surprising if Australia finds it best to play preference as the strongest card.

RESEARCH WORK

(Recd. October 3, 1 p.m.) LONDON, October 2

Lord Parmoor, opening the Imperial Conference research sub-conference, said the aims were to extend the cooperation of research organisation which were effectively utilisable in furthering the common stock of scientific knowledge and methods. It is proposed as the result of Australia’s special request to widen the scope to enable a discussion of agricultural questions. It was / announced that visits had been arranged to various research stations all over Britain.

VARIOUS COMMITTEES.

LONDON, October 2.

It was announced by the Conference Press Officer that the heads of the delegations in the forenoon discussed how effect could be given to the changes arising from tlife 192 G conference decisions, relating to new status of the Dominions, and what would be the channel of communication therewith in. future. Apparently the right of the Dominions to advise on the appointments of GovernorGeneral is not challenged. The matter of the moment is to devise an ac ceptable formula which Lord Sankey’s Committee will endeavour to find. Consequently the question of nativeborn nominees has not arisen at present as an issue. The Dominion’s Office spokesman also revealed that the heads discussed an Empire tribunal to deal with inter-Dominion differences or a Dominion witli Britain. It was regarded as absurd that disputes in the British family of nations should be subject to review by some foreign tribunal, say at Geneva or The Hague. Attention is being given to what shall bo the position and power and machinery of some Empire tribunals.

The official communique announced that in addition to Lord Sankey’s the following committees were created: Firstly, Mandates; Secondly, Arbitration and Disarmament; Thirdly, War Graves; Fourthly, Defence; Fifthly, Economic matters, embracing civil, aviation, cables, oversea settlement: Sixthly, experts dealing with research, industrial standardisation. Tho General Economic Committee had a preliminarily discussion on reciprocity in old age pensions, a standardisation form of invoice for customs purposes, also regulations regarding marks of origin.

HONOURS FOR MR. FORBES.

LONDON, October 2.

Mr. .Forbes receives the freedom of tho City of London on November 11. He has already received many invitations to visit provincial cities, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds and Hull. The only tour yet accepted was arranged by the British League, to Birmingham and Bristol on November 6 and 8.