BRITAIN AND DOMINIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16373, 30 October 1916, Page 6

BRITAIN AND DOMINIONS.

- HE. MASSEY IN LONDON, POST-WAR PROBLEMS. ■" SPEECH BY SIR J. WARD. NEW ZEALAND'S FINANCES. Australian and N.Z, Cablo Association. (Received 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 27. The Colonial Institute gave a luncheon to-day to Mr. Massey, Prime Minister of New Zealand, and Sir Joseph Ward, at the Hotel Cecil. Lord Plunket presided. He referred to the heroic deeds of the New Zealanders, and to the patriotic assistance which the Dominion gave the Mother Country before the war. Their guests, he said, typified a strong North of Ireland man and an equally strong South of Ireland man. They and their supporters were uniting in a time of national crisis, and he hoped Ireland would do similarly. British Trade for British People. Mr. Massey, in responding, said: " We allowed German goods to stifle our industries while she was preparing a great army and navy to smash us. She financed these preparations partly from the profits made in Australia, Canada, and other parts of the Empire. It was only by a miracle that her plans were unsuccessful." Continuing, Mr. Massey said he hoped we would profit by the lesson, and he trusted that every legislative body in the Empire would make sucli folly impossible in the future. " Oui motto should be ' British trade foi British people,' " he added, " always remembering to act considerately tc our allies. "Another after-war problem will be the amendment of the Constitution, giving the Dominions a voice in defence matters and foreign affairs. This also entails a great question for decision, namely, whether the present form of Imperial Parliament shall be continued." On that depended the form which the representation of the Dominions should take. 'Mr. Massey outlined New Zealand's scheme to assist soldiers on the land. Sound Financial Position. Sir Joseph Ward said New Zealand would have a surplus of £2,000,000 for the current year, and this would be invested in Imperial Treasury bonds. He also hoped to repay some of the Imperial war advances to New Zealand, The Dominion's assets totalled £365,000,000. This was a good set-off against her indebtedness of £110,000,000. They had provided a sinking-fund for all war and general loans, and their finances were on the soundest basis. After the war, continued Sir Joseph, Britain should consider some system of reconstruction, and should keep her trade as far as possible within the Empire. The generous impulses of the past by which the British people helped Germany to build up a great overseas trade should be directed to countries within the Empire. This would prevent Germany from ever again (' winning out" against Britain. "A' TIMELY REMINDER." NOT CONTENT TO WAIT. LONDON, Oct. 28. The Times, commenting upon the luncheon given to Mr. Massey and • Sir Joseph Ward, says: "It has provided a timely reminder of the problems facing the country when the war is over. Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward represent a Dominion which is doing its utmost to support the Empire with men and money. They have attended a meeting of the Cabinet, and must know everything about the naval and military position. Moreover, they have a certain detachment in their view regarding the future of the Empire, They are not content to leave all questions about the future of the Empire in abeyance until the war if over, but want British people tc think about them now." BUSY WEEK FOR VISITORS, MR. MASSEY'S ENGAGEMENTS. LEAVES FOR FRANCE TO-DAY. [BT rZIICEAPH.—PEESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Sunday. The following cablegram was received . to-day from Mr. Massey:—"Had an exceedingly busy week, as follows: Monday—A long conference with the Secretary of State for the Colonies and permanent heads of the Colonial Office. Tuesday — Sworn in as member of the Privy Council, afterwards granted an audience by the King; very large New Zealand reception at the Hotel Cecil, xOOO present. Wednesday— Attended full meeting of the British Cabinet; addressed a large gathering at the Pilgrims Club. Thursday — Lord Mayor 8 luncheon to overseas representatives. Friday-Entertained by the Royal Colonial Institute, 400 being present. Saturday—Accorded farewell to New Zealand soldiers returning to the Dominion At all tho gatherings the reception was exceedingly cordial and enthusiastic Tributes were paid to the high standing New Zetland occupies in the heart of the Empire* .We leave for France on MonW