A BUSY WEEK.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 2778, 20 October 1923, Page 5

A BUSY WEEK.

PREMIER IT IMPERIAL COIfEtEIICE. COMMUNICATIONS AND DEFENCE CONSIDERED, SECRET SESSIONS. [By Electric Cable— Copyright! [Aust and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Friday, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON. October 19. R ha* heen ft very fcwsy week for the prime Mtnfcters. Both Conferences have been sitting, but not clashing. All Important questions of postal communications and shipping, m which Mr MnAsoy took a leading part, occupied the Economic Conference, while at the Imperial conference attention was chiefly concentrated on naval, 'military and air defence. Necessarily, the discussions on the latter were highly confidential. -

This afternoon Earl Beatty attended fend explained in detail the varying aspects of the naval policy, in which the proposed Singapore base figured largely. A further sitting is yet to be devoted to foreign policy and defence.

As the Conference proceeds, particularly regarding naval defence, Australian and New Zealand interests are becoming more closely identified, Mr Massey expressed particular satisfaction at the work of the shipping commitee as disclosed in the report, of Sir It. Mackinder.

The journal "The Fruitgrower" warmly acclaims Mr Massey's championing of the amendment Of the Merchandise Marks Act.

The unsatisfactory condition of affairs in the condominium control of the New Hebrides which was introduced by Mr Ma,*iiey has been well discussed by the apecial committed Of thti Imperial Conference to which It was referred. Th<> Duke of Devon* bhire presided ttiid the Foreign Offio* Was represented. 'the proceedings Were confidential, but a recommendatio:; is to be submitted to Xhi Confrronce Mr MasSvy's e.'n;rr>tie advO cary Of WtWRi had. the support ot Australia.