AT WASHINGTON.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19010, 5 November 1923, Page 8

AT WASHINGTON.

MR MASSEY AND TH|E PRESIDENT. DISTINGUISHED GATHERING. Interesting details of Mr Massey’s arrival in New York and Washington, and of his interview with the President of the United States, are to hand by the American mail. Mr Massey was met at the railway station in New York bv the British Charge d’Affairs (Mr H. G. Chilton) and the members of the Eimbassy staff. The British Ambassador to the United States was absent in England. Almost immediately after his arrival, Mr Massey and his private secretary (Mr F. D. Thomson), in company with Mr Chilton, called upon the Secretary of State, with whom subsequently he lunched. At this gathering there were present the Minister for Agriculture (Mr H. G. Wallace), the Minister for Commerce (Mr H. G. Hoover), Mr Ohilton, the Act-ing-Minister for War (Mr D. F. Davis, the originator of the Davis Cup competitions), the United States Minister to Argentina (Mr Riddle), the president of the United States Chamber of Commerce (Mr J. Barnes', the Director of the Consular Service (Mr W. B. Carr), and Mr E. Goodwin, of the Washington Chamber of Commerce. On the following day, by arrangement, Air Massey, in company with the British Charge dLAffairs, called upon the President of the United States, Mr Calvin Coolidge. Judging by the company of photographers gathered about the precincts of White House, there was more than ordinary interest in the visit. Ar Mr Massey was proceeding up the steps to White House he was hailed by Mr Samuel Gompers, president of the American Federation of Labour, who had just concluded on audience with the President, and who remembered Air Alassey from his acquaintance in Paris at the Peace Conference. Next day the papers at Washintgon &p----pared with photographs of Air Alassey and Mr Gompers shaking bands. The Prime Minister had a lengthy audience with the President, who evinced a keen interest in New Zealand affairs. Mr Coolidge, who is a quiet, unobtrusive gentleman, asked Mr Alassey to convey to the people of New Zealand his hearty greetings and his best wishes for their hap pin**-.., and prosperity. Proceeding to New Yorl* on the morning of September 21, Mr Alassey was met by the British Consul-general (Sir Henry G. Armstrong) on arrival at the huge Pennsylvania station. . Here, as in Washington, news of the arrival of New Zealand s Prime Alinister brought together ai#army of press representatives, to whom Mr Massey, with his usual geniality, accorded interviews.