MR. HASSEY IN LONDON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18518, 1 October 1923, Page 7

MR. HASSEY IN LONDON.

UNITY ' OP, THE EMPIRE.

DEVELOPMENT OF TRADE.

DEFENCE OF THE /PACIFIC

"By Teleffrftph—PWS3 Association— A. and N.Z. LONDON. Sept. 28.

i J The Prima Minister of New Zealand, Mr. W. .F. Massey, interviewed on his arrival . hero, said Britain's only hope of finding new markets to replace lost European markets, lay in 'the overseas countries of the Empire. Similarly Great Britain was the best market for the Dominions. New Zealand during recent years had greatly increased the number of commodities on which preference } was given to Great Britain. The Dominion was prepared to go further, but must move with the British Government to realise the truth of'the staying, "United wo stand, divided we fall." . " '!.'■

" We hope," he added, " that when the Dominions' representatives return, they will be able to report that the Empire is surely united." ■/....'■

Mr. Massey favoured an official interpretation of the constitutional position, to be used when difficulties occurred. Tho prerogatives of the Crown, as well as the rights of different countries, must be preserved and taken into consideration. He declared that tho British Empire to-day was more necessary than ever to the welfare of the peace of the world.

New Zealand's naval force -wag only a nucleus, intended for the protection of trade routes. Ha entirely approved of the Singapore baso, and believed it was necessary in the interests of Australia and New Zealand, in view of events in Europe. We had arrived at a stage where it was necessary that every part of the Empire should help economically other parts. Great, changes had occurred since our interests in different parts of the Empire had become so interwoven, and it was impossible to separate them. On the other hand, owing to the situation in Europe, it was necessary that they should come together more closely than ever. That would not prevent Britain or any other country of the : Empire trading with countries outside if it suited them. Mr. Massey concluded: "We must be careful to see that there shall be no weakening of ties, and no mistakes made if it is humanly possible 'to avoid them." WELCOMED 'ON. ARRIVAL. NEW ZEALANDERS' GREETING. (Special to Prees Association). LONDON, Sept. 28. Mr. Massey completed his journey to London in 30 days, the Majestic breaking her previous record. .He was welcomed at Southampton by the port authorities, and at London was officially received 1 - by Sir Ronald Waterhouso (representing the Prime Minister), Mr. Marsh (representing the Duke of Secretary d? State for the Colonies), Mr. Masterton • Smith' (Permanent Under-Secretary for the Colonies), and Sir Maurice Hankey (secretary of the Imperial Conference).

Several hundred : visi'ting and resident New Zealandexs enthusiastically welcomed Mr. Massey with rounds of cheers when ho alighted from the" train at Waterloo. Among those present were Sir James Mills. i Sir 'James Allen was absent at the League of Nations meeting at Geneva. ■_,; Mr. Baldwin ■: sent for Mr. Majssey immediately on his arrival, and together with Mr.■ Chamberlain. Chancellor: of the Exchequer, the two Prime Ministers had a long interview.

V In the, afternoon, Mr. Massey had an interview with tho Duke of Devonshire, at the request of the latter.

Considerable; prominence has been given in the press to arrival ■ i

The first sitting of the conference will bo on Monday rooming at No. 10 Downing Street. Mr. Baldwin will preside, and is expected to make an: important statement . regarding British policy on the Trance-German situation. ; '.:' .

TWO. RECORDS ON TRIP. GREAT BENEFIT IN HEALTH. A. Md N.Z. ' LONDON, S€>pt. 28. v Mr. Massey claims two records, on his Homeward trip, the first on the Pacific of two days, and, the second on the Atlantic of one hour. He was greatly impressed by his courteous reception ' at' Washington, . where' he was entertained at luncheon by the American Government and at dinner by the British Embassy. ';■ , Referring to his meeting with the President, Mr. Calvin Coolidge, Mr. Massey said he had -the highest possible opinion of Mr. Coolidge's ability. ; • The' President displayed not only friendliness but well-informed understanding of New Zealand's problems } and prospects. He expressed the warmest admiration ,of the Dominion's legislative and social development, and; requested Mr. Massey to send on his own, and also on his Government's, behalf, a cordial message wishing the bister • democracy of New Zealand prosperity and happiness. \ '■"'■

When Mr. Massey left New Zealand ho was physically run . down, but now :he is in splendid condition. . ■•• When informed that Mr. Bruce proposed touring the English provinces 1 after . the .■Conference, Mr. Massey said his- stay','■; in England would be limited to the duration of -the Conference, as he was anxious to return to New Zealand at the earliest possible date. v-:.V-/; v'''.; ;':, "■:.■ V/.'T :'■'■-'■■',' '■■'■;