CONFERENCE OF EMPIRE

Hawera Star, Volume L, 25 August 1930, Page 5

CONFERENCE OF EMPIRE

PRIME MINISTER’S MISSION. CIVIC FAREWELL. (By Telegraph —Press Association.; WELLINGTON, Aug. 24. Political party differences were forgotten in the face of the wider issues of the Imperial Conference when tne Prime Minister, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, was accorded a civic farewell on Saturdav night prior to his departure for London. Mr Forbes, who was hailed as generally as a worthy and efficient representative of New Zealand, received a gift, as also did Mrs Forbes. Wishing Mr Forbes success on hehalt of his associates and in some measure on behalf of the citizens of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates said that at the last Imperial Conference there emerged a declaration that each Dominion should have an equal status, and that was something to be treated with the utmost respect and response 1 bility. At the same time it was to bej realised that New Zealand could hard-i ly expect the same right to express its. views as to the host policy to adopt to | bring the best from the heritage that) vas beloved of citizens of the Dominions of the Envpire. The responsibility was great on those who guided the Empire's destiny. The representative of New Zealand should be sent away feeling that ho had a free hand and with the confidence that he, as a true citizen of the country, irrespective of his domestic and political opinions, would truly represent the innermost feelings and ideals of a vast majority of the people of New Zealand. New Zealand’s representatives took the good wishes and hopes from pakeha and Maori alike. Mr H. E. Holland, leader of the Labour Party, said he hoped the name of the. conference would be changed to the British Commonwealth of Nations Conference. When that came about the lofty idea of peace would be advanced in Imperial affairs. Political differences could be sunk in order that the intciests of the people .might be more widely considered. Ho wished the New Zealand representatives well. The Mayor of Wellington, Mr G. A. Troup, said the public had looked on with interest at the business of Parliament. and it was with relief and gratification that they learned that, the party leaders were prepared to facilitate that business in order that the Prime Minister could get, away. Ho presented -Mr Forbes with an address enclosed in a carved Maori casket and Mrs Forbes with a rug. “Unity of the Empire is a most ini-1 portant subject,” said Mr Forbes in reply. “One needs very little imagination to see how fraught it is with great possibilities. As far as the Empire is | concerned we could be practically a self-sustained people. We want, to encourage as much as possible trade between our part of the Empire and Britain. When people grumble about preference to Britain, they should remember that Now Zealand’s own prosperity depends on Britain and we should do everything to assist it.” Mr Forbes emphasised the value of Empire conferences and concluded by saying: “Going to the conference as the representative of New Zealand I know 1 can speak with one single voice. There is no difference of opinion. I can go there feeling that New Zealand is one in thought in regard to wlmt should lie done in the Homeland; and that its greatest desire, is to maintain its connection wi th Britain and In do every thing to assist in its progress and prosperity. 1 fool a farewell of this sort takes the place of a friendly handshake.”