DEPUTATION TO PRIME MINISTER

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9718, 21 July 1917, Page 11

DEPUTATION TO PRIME MINISTER

WHAT MB MASSEY HAD TO SAT. SECOND DIVISION DEPENDENTS WARDS OP THE STATE. In the afternoon a deputation from the conference waited on the Prime Minister. It was introduced by Mr T. M- Wilford, M.P., and put forward the same representations as had been submitted to members of Parliament in the morning. The speakers were Messrs Armstrong, Bewley, McLeod, Slipper, and Dr Paterson.

Mr Massey, in reply, said he was very glad to see so many members of the Second Division, and he had no fault to find with the views which had been expressed- Amid some laughter he said, he was sorry that he could not himself be included in the Second Division, Eeferehoa had been made to a number of important points, and he was particularly pleased to hear Mr Armstrong's expressions of loyalty and willingness to go to the front if the occasion arose. Such assurances as had been given were scarcely necessary, as he was sure that New Zealand was sound to' the core. He could not deal with the whole of the points which had been raised, but he could give an assurance that in the event of the Second Division being called up the earliest possible notice would be given to those concerned. (Hear, hear.) The most important point was as to the treatment of dependents, and it might be taken for granted that these would become wards of the State, and the State would do its duty. In making this statement he spoke as the head of the Government—as the first citizen of New Zealand. They would be looked after. (Hear, hear.) He had been particularly interested in the description which had been given of the Pensions Act which had been passed into law at Homo. This Act was not altogether new to him, as it. was introduced prior to his leaving England. He

was very glad to notice its particularly generous provisions. It had been a reproach to th© people of the British race in the past that they had not done the right thing for those who had fought in times of stress and danger. But this reproach was now being removed, i and he was pleased that the heart, of. the Empire was taking the lead in the matter. As to the question of financial ability, he was not in ia position to go into details, but it m'.ght be taken for granted that what Britain was able to do for its soldiers New Zealand would follow. (Hear, hear.) The Parliamentary session promised to be a lengthy one, but the business of tbe Government after the present debate would be to make financial provision for carrying on the war. Financial legislation was being prepared now. Indirectly tho finances had been discussed in Cabinet, though Ministers had not got the length of bills on the Financial Statement. That would be the first duty of Parliament after tho present debate. After the finances had (been dealt with the subjects now brought forward came next in importance. (Applause.) There might bo some urgent matters intervening, but be was speaking generally. In good time the appeal of the Second Division League would come up and be fully and generously dealt with by the representatives of the country. He did not think it wise to go into details about the various points which had been raised. He was glad to hear the opinion about pensions being by rate. Speaking generally he was in sympathy with the deputation. Ho thought Parliament might be well trusted to do tho proper thing so far as the Second Division was concerned.