BRITAIN’S FUTURE

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11650, 15 October 1923, Page 8

BRITAIN’S FUTURE

GREAT PROBLEMS TO SOLVE “SOLUTION IN WILL AND COURATTE OF PEOPLE.” NOTABLE ADDRESSES. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Reuter’s Telegram. LONDON, October 12. The freedom of the city of London was conferred, with the full tune-lion-oured ceremonial, upon Mr Baldwin, Prime Minister of Great Britain; Mr Mackenzie King, Prime Minister of Canada; and Mr Stanley Bruce, Prime Minister of Australia. The historic Guildhall was thronged with distinguished people, including the Duke and Duchess of York, the Marquis and Marchioness of Salisbury, tlie Duke of Devonshire, Lord Derby, practically tbe entire Cabinet, and the majority of the members and advisers of both Imperial Conferences. There were also many dominion visitors. Responding to the presentation, Mr Baldwin said he regarded it as a good omen that he and his colleagues stood on that platform. All three were inexperienced, but inexperience gave men faith to take tbe risks which, must be taken in these days. HOPE FOR THE FUTURE. Mr Baldwin recalled with pride the financial stability of the City of London during the war, and pointed out that that position could only be maintained if the large industrial population in the country had work. While other countries had also suffered derangement of markets, Britain, owing to the circumstances of her case, had suffered worst. The time had not come to enter into the details of what he believed it w T as possible to do to provide that in future years Britain should not suffer as she was now suf. faring. He urged the necessity for pushing on the development of the Empire with the utmost celerity and ardour. He w-as confident that in that direction alone lay hope for the future of Britain and for the crowded masses of population and farmers. UNEMPLOYMENT. Referring to unemployment, Mr Baldwin declared that tlie moment when it must take years for old markets to recover was the moment for tho Old "World to call on the New World and develop a fairer inheritance than either had yet enjoyed. “1 am convinced that with the enthusiasm and ability of the members of the Imperial Conference, some solution will be found for the grave problems that beset us, and that the Conference will not rise from ite labours before dt has accomplished something to tlie permanent good of our own peoples and of mankind generally.” Mr Mackenzie King emphasised that, the freedom of the city nf London was linked by unbroken tradition with the freedom of the community of British nations expressed by the Imperial Conference. Mr Bruoe, who had a remarkable ovation, recalled the intimate relation between London and the overseas dominions throughout their history.