IMPERIAL PREFERENCE

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXVII, Issue LXXVII, 30 May 1919, Page 7

IMPERIAL PREFERENCE

MR MASSEY'S VIEWS

BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION-COPYRIGHT ' LONDON, May 29. , Official—A complimentary luncheon was tendpd to Mr Massey on. Tuesday by the Empire Producers" Organisation. The Marquess of Londonderry, who preside, iih proposing tihe toasb of "The Guest," remarked tha^ New Zealand was broud of its Prim© Minister, but he also was proud of a fellow-country-man, ■'. Mr Massey being a native of Derry. ' Mr Mary's speech dealt, by request, with the subject^ of Empire trade, with special reference to tne quesefcion of Imspecial reference to the question jof Imaddress, which, wag listened to with evident appreciation, h<? pointed out that when the present fiscal system ..was established, over 70 years ago, the colonies were looked upofi as encumbrances, but to-day they were young, verile nations; as the war had proved. Important part* of the Empire were able aiid willing to do t«heir share in its defence, drtin any other way necessary. He was of opinion that, as conditions ' had materially changed, so there should: be a, change of policy which would operate ill the interests of the wholie Empire, and assist to make it independent of other countries, so far as food' supplies and raw materials for British industries were' concerned, a£ the same time strengthening the ties which keep the British na^ tion s united and solid. Imperial preference went much further than any alteration in the Customs tariff. It included, for .^instance, much needed improvement In Empire communications, both by shinpnig and -cables, or even the air service. It included immigration and" financial matters, and really preference by British countries to British countries in every way possible. At the conclusion of his address Mr Massey received the enthusiastic thanks of the gathering.