STATE LUNCHEON

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 25 January 1939, Page 9

STATE LUNCHEON

OVERSEAS POLITICIANS

empire that is to be PRIME MINISTER'S VISION WELLINGTON, This Day. “I am looking forward to the British Empire that is to be—an Empire in which the people will be scattered throughput the British Dominions rather than be confined to a small specie of land by the North Sea,” said thd Prime Minister, Mr Savage, at a State luncheon given in Wellington yesterday in honour of several overseas politicians. “Before that happens, however, Britain will have to learn, if she hasn't already learnt, that she must invest in the British Dominions. There is no other foundation for a British democracy.” The guests were Mr E. Dwyer-Gray, Tasmanian State Treasurer, Mr J. McDonald, honorary Tasmanian Minister; and Lord Strabolgi, Deputy-Leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords and Chief Opposition Whip. Mr Savage, proposing the toast of “Our Guests,” said his duty was pleasing because it meant so much in these turbulent times to meet and know that they had a common destiny and were all members of the same family, whatever they might think of each other. In New Zealand they were trying to establish a democracy, though they got the credit for attempting to establish a totalitarian State. He hoped Lord Strabolgi would be able to go bacK to Britain feeling safe and able to report that a totalitarian State had not vet arrived in New Zealand. COMMON OBJECT

The members of the Empire had a common object in view, continued Mr Savage. He had met men and women from various parts but they were close enough to realities. He had hoped they could get together and exchange opinions and settle the affairs of the world by rule of reason. There was no room for violence, and it was time someone took a stand and got the nations to discuss the future.

“It makes one shudder.” he added, “to think of what the result of another war would be when so much remains to be done for the benefit of the mass of the people. If we are ever going to lay claim to be followers of the ‘meek and lowly,’ then it does seem to me we cannot begin too soon to give more than lip service to the great principles, enunciated 2000 years ago. it should be possible for us to meet round a table and discuss the problems of the world.”

Mr Dwyer-Gray said it was impossible for democracy to succeed unless the Government controlled currency and the credit its own country had created and utilised both for the good of its people. It was chiefly to study what New Zealand was doing financially that the Government of Tasmania had instructed Mr McDonald and himself (•> visit the Dominion.

“You have a wonderful country here, magic in its beauty, and endowed by nature With amazing fertility.” said Mr Dwyer-Gray. “I am convinced that the financial policy of your Government is thoroughly justified and that it will succeed, and the present crisis will disappear like the baseless fabric of a dream. This country is already relatively a workers' paradise, and the sane and scientific methods adopted by the Government, and accepted by the people of New Zealand, will make it increasingly a workers’ paradise.” “NOT ONE BLACK SHIRT’ “Your Prime Minister,” said Lord Strabolgi, “has asked me to make it clear in England that it is not the intention of his Government to create a totalitarian State in New Zealand. I can only say I have travelled the length and breadth of your country

and haven't seen anybody give one Fascist salute. I didn’t have occasion to call on the German Consul-General, and I haven’t seen one black shirt in the whole country.

“I have carefully refrained while in your country from venturing to express any opinion about your domestic politics, but when I return I am going to make it my business to suggest V the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir John Simon, that he should come out to New Zealand, or at any rate send a very powerful representative, to study what you are doing here. We regard your proceedings her not only with the greatest sympathy and attention, but also -with a great deal of self interest. At present New Zealand and its policy formed the groundwork for all our most important speeches on the platforms in Britain. Upon your success a very great deal depends from our point of view.”

Mr McDonald said that it was no secret that he and Mr Gray had come to New Zealand with the idea that the New Zealand Government was on the right course. However, they had made a critical investigation of conditions and had paid attention to Press statements and persons they had met. After doing that, they were satisfied the Government was on the right track.

Mr B. O. Schonegevel, South Africa, who was asked to speak by the Prime Minister, referred to the value of British democracy. Botha and Smuts, he said, had fought against Britain in the Boer War, but. though they had not a drop of British blood in their veins, if Britain wanted assistance they would be at the top of the line. Divided, the Empire was weak, but united it was strong. The Dominions were the muscles and they should be kept fit to support the heart.