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New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11251, 1 July 1922, Page 5

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SIR JOSEPH ROBINSON’S PEERAGE. THE HONOUR DECLINED. Reuter's Telezram. LONDON, June 29. Following tho Parliamentary agitation in connection with the preferment of honours principally arising out of the peerage conferred on the King’s Birthday to the South African, Sir Joseph Robinson, tho Lord Chancellor read in the House of Lords a letter which Sir Joseph wrote to Air Lloyd George, declining the peerage. SiT Joseph Robinson further stated that he had never sought the honour; he was too old to have much concern about honours and dignities. He was sorry the incident had caused so muoh Parliamentary illfeeling. Lord Birkenhead, in explanation, said the Secretary for the Colonies was not consulted regarding Sir Joseph Robin, son’s case as he should have been in order to exorcise his constitutional duty and acquaint himself with the opinion and desire of the Dominion. He added thait it was realised that no British citizen, resident in or primarily belonging to a Dominion, ought ever to bo recommended for an honour in this country except with the assent and approval of his Government. The House could consider that pronouncement as an official kalend, which would undoubtedly guide actions in future. It will bo remembered that at tho time the peerage was conferred, General Smuts informed the South African Parliament that he had not recommended it. (Received June 30, 8.20 p.m.) LONDON, Juno 29. In the House of Lords Lord Lansdowne, speaking with regard to Sir Joseph Robinson’s letter declining a peerage, said that Sir Joseph Robinson’s action extricated the Government from an absolutely untenable position. THE VEBTEY PEERAGE ALLEGATION AND EXPLANATION. (Received June 30, 8.20 p.m.) LONDON, June 29. Lord Strachey called attention, in the House of Lords to the peerage conferred on Lord Vcstey, alleging that Lord Vestey transferred his business to Buenos Ayres in order to avoid the high English taxation. Lord Vestey replied that he transferred his foreign business to Argentina because of the high taxation and American competitip®, but Ins English business remained and paid English taxes. It became a question whether he should sell his business to American competitors qr build works in countries to which Britain imported meat. Before he did so he tried to oome to an arrangement with the British Government in order to enable him to compete with American on equal terms, but the Gocvernment could not suggest a remedy. If this couree had not been taken the American meat companies would have eliminated their chief competitor.