DOMINION MINISTERS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 885, 11 December 1916, Page 8

DOMINION MINISTERS.

VISIT TO ENGLAND. IMPERIAL PROBLEMS. By Cable. — -Tret* A**ociati'jn. — 'The Times'' Service. LONDON, December 1). The Bight Hon. W. F. Massey, in the course of an interview, said that i an Empire Council would help to develop the political and economic ! unity of the Empire. The creation of an Imperial Parliament would take years, and we could not afford jto wait. The closer union of the 1 Empire should no longer be the j sport of party politicians. An Empire j Council could be composed of Ministers of the Crown in Britain and tho Dominions, with an Imperial Conj ference to decide its constitution, ! subject to ratification by the various I Parliaments. The holding of this I conference should not be delayed. j The admission of the Dominions' j statesmen to the meeting of the Imj perial Cabinet was a great point i gained. It must be clearly understood that the Dominions could not accept restrictions, and that their representatives would act in an advis« ory capacity. TROOPS INSPECTED. ON SALISBURY PLAIN. Australian and S.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, December 9. At Salisbury Plain, the Right Hon. W. F. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward visited the Codford and Sling camps and hospitals, accompanied by Sir Thomas Mackenzie, General Richardson, and General Sir Andrew Russell. The troops were paraded, and Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward each delivered an address, expressing on behalf of the people of New Zealand warm appreciation for the splendid services rendered by the troops. Mr Massey said that, from the King to the humblest citizen, all were loud in their praises of the military capacity of the New Zealanders. British officers who had -»een them at work told him that diey were deeply impressed. Another excellent feature was the splendid behaviour of the men when on leave. The war might not end as soon as was expected, but he was confident I that there would be no weakening i on New Zealand's part. Edinburgh University has offered j Mr Massey a degree.