A LENGTHENED STAY.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 46, 15 June 1917, Page 8

A LENGTHENED STAY.

Those who know anything of recent developments in the relations between the dominions and the Old Country, and anything also of the inner history of the present conferences, will not be disposed to support the complaints that have been made in New Zealandi against the protected stay of Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward in England, (wi tes the London correspondent of the “Otago Daily Times") There is not the slightest doubt that our Ministers have much more influeence in England to-day than they had when they arrived six months ago; and, although the War Conferences ha 70 now been sitting for some weeks, there is no suggestion that their influence is being eclipsed either by Sir Eobert Borden (representing Canada) or by the picturesque figure of General Smuts • (representing South Africa). Things have become much more critical than they were six months ago, and all the arguments which justified the visit of the New Zealand Ministers to England have now redoubled force in justification of their remaining here as long as they are wanted. In an interview on the subject Sir Joseph Ward told me that he had noticed the complaints that had been made in Now Zealand. “But the fact remains, it is war time. We are creatures of circumstances, and as things are we are not altogether responsible for our own actions. When the Imperial Government especially asked us to remain in England in consequence of recent developments, and to attend the Imperial War Cabinet, we felt that we could not do otherwise than remain. Many of the matters that have been discussed in the conferences have been of the most vital importance, not only to the Motherland, but to the oversea dominions, and it would have been a dereliction of duty on our part to have left them undiseussed. It was our desire and intention to-have returned to New Zealand in December', but the Imperial Government impressed upon us the important, nature of the conferences and the fact that the overseas dominions would have their delegates here There was, consepuantly, no other course open to us, and I think I can safely say that we have done better work'for New Zealand by remaining here than we could have done by returning home. “I can quite understand the desire of many people to have the Prime Minister and myself, occupying responsible positions in the Government of the country, back in New Zealand to assist in grappling with many great problems, and the anxiety of our colleagues there every day. But remaining here was unavoidable. There was, as you know, not much pleasure in staying in England during the hardest winter they have had for forty years, and that is only one aspect of the inconvenience and discomfort which the prolongation of our stay has entailed. As for holidays, in the usual sense, we have only had the four days at Easter since our arrival in London. “There have been matters affecting the producers of meat, cheese, butter, and wool that could not have been arranged upon anything like as satisfactory a basis if wo had not. been here. In fact, I think I can, without disclosing any confidence, say that it has made a difference of some millions sterling in favour of New Zealand. My presence in London, moreover, has given me the opportunity to arrange certain financial matters for the dominion on the most satisfactory terms. Some of the details I will be able to disclose to Parliament at the ordinary date. That, of course, depends on circumstances beyond our control. “Every day brings tremendous changes in connection with the war, and one cannot forsee what to-morrow may bring forth in this respect. While every kindness has been shown to us in the Old Land, one’s eyes turn towards one’s own country with a wistful longing, which can only be satisfied by seeing once more the shores of dear old New Zealand.’’