MR MASSEY’S IDEAS

Southland Times, Issue 19122, 14 December 1923, Page 5

MR MASSEY’S IDEAS

INFLUENCE OF ELECTIONS IMPERIAL CONFERENCE DECISIONS WHAT WAS AIMED AT. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, December 12. Mr Massey, who was interviewed in reference to the British political situation and its bearing on the work of the Imperial Conference, said that whatever might happen the recommendations of the Conference were never prominent issues at the general election. They were put on one side, at all events, fcr the time being. “However,” he added, “whatever party comes into power, I hope the recommendations will be submitted to Parliament. Any other course would be extremely disappointing to the people of the dominions. The principal functions of the Conference v. ; ere to consider the best methods of developing the British epuntries overseas, to assist in arriving at a solution of the present difficulties in Europe, with the object of finally and definitely fixing the amount of reparation to be paid by Germany, to assist in removing the industrial depression in Britain, to consider the defence of the Empire especially Naval Defence, and generally to strengthen the ties that keep together the people of the Empire. How far we have been successful in these matters, it is at present impossible to say. I am certain that if the Conference recommendations were put into operation they would be of immense benefit, both to Britain and the dominions.” “Regarding the protection of the British home market, I have,” continued Mr Massey, "more faith in the good sense of the people of the United Kingdom than to think they will continue for long to allow' foreign nations, which will not in any way reciprocate them, to take the bread out of the mouth of British citizens, which is undoubtedly happening under the present conditions.” Mr Massey continued that whatever might be said to the contrary, the people of the dominions had been thoroughly unselfish in their attitude, though their stand had often been misrepresented, even by people who ought to know better. The dominions were advocating their proposals not from any selfish motive, but for the benefit of the whole Empire with the object of making it self-supporting, having its foodstuffs and materials produced within its own boundaries and its people made more independent of the products of other nations than had ever been the case before. The dominions believed that within the Empire there should be work and food for all its citizens.

Mr Massey concluded: “Empire Preference has received a temporary check, but the British people never fight so well as with their backs to the wall. I believe the movement recently initiated will continue utnil the prosperity of Britain is restored and until in industrial achievements she again leads the world.” At a Rotary Club dinner to Mr Massey at the Hotel Cecil, Lord Morris proposed the health of Mr Massey, paying a tribute to his work for the Empire. Mr Massey, in responding, gave the large assemblage some interesting pictures of Maori life in the early days, and the great advance that New Zealand had made during sixty years. He also dwelt on its suitability for British migration.