MR HUGHES IN LONDON

Otago Witness, Issue 3511, 28 June 1921, Page 21

MR HUGHES IN LONDON

LONDON, June 22. The Empire Producers’ Association movement was launched by Mr Hughes. The chairman, Mr Bon Morgan, denounced the cosmopolitan section of Londoners who are using British credit to bolster up foreign trade and finance. Tn the past five- months they had raised more money for foreign enterprises than all the dominions.

Mr Hughes recited the 1920 figures of the dominions’ purchases from Great Britain, which far exceeded Germany’s, Japan s, and America’s combined. Ho said he was prepared to meet on their own ground tho perfervid war-time patriots, who now were strict economists. He would ask them, “ What is the matter with the security and trade of those who saved your trade? The Empire has assured a lasting peace to a great portion of the globe, and thus its development and tile expansion of the, dominions’ population to hundreds of millions would bring nearer a world-wide peace.”June 24. Mr Hughes positively denies tho suggestion that Mr Larkin's resignation forecasts the termination of the Government’* steamer service. Shipping development* will continue on approved lines. Mr Larkin s resignation was-tendered voluntarily, and much to Mr Hughes's surprise. Mr Hughes lias forwarded a silver kangaroo on an ebony case, with congratulations, to the Prince of M’ales on his birthday. Mr Hughes met M. Clemeneeau and Invited him to Australia. M. Llemenccau, expressed iiis appreciation, but declined tile invitation on tho score of indifferent health and press of time. M. Clemeneeau retains his vivacity of mind and tho indomitable purpose which made him France’s Grand Old Man. Mr Hughes has received a notification from hr. Klotz, Minister of Finance, that the ceremonies in the devastated area of Hie Somme have been fixed at Amiens for July 10, and requesting his presence as the representative of Australia, whose admirable sons defended courageously ihia territory. Mr Hughes hopes to accept the invitation, but the indications are that the conference and p.ros.-ure of business will prevent him doing so.