PEACE CONFERENCE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1497, 29 November 1918, Page 7

PEACE CONFERENCE.

DOMINION REPRESENTATION. STATEMENT BY MR MASSEY. [From Our Own Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, November 28. A statement as to New Zealand's representation at the Peace Conference was made by Mr Massey in the House of Representatives to-night. The Prime Minister was not able to say definitely when the Conference would meet, but he had received a further cablegram that day urging that Sir Joseph Ward and himself should leave for England at the earliest possible moment. It was unlikely, on account of the running of the boats, that they would be able to leave for at least. 10 days, but he hoped that during that time they would be aide to get, at any rate, all the important legislation of the session dealt with. He did not wish to have legislation passed hurriedly, but honourable members would realise what importance was attached to the proceedings of the coming Peace Conference. The whole work of the session could, in his opinion, be put throu.gh in eight days if there was no waste of time. Mr G. Witty (Riccarton): Don't rush anything. Mr Massey: No; that is, without rushing anything. WORK OF THE SESSION. NECESSARY LEGISLATION. Association. WELLINGTON, November 28. In the course of his statement in the House regarding the Peace Conference, Mr Massey said that the most important Bills to bo dealt with before the session ends were Finance and Liquor, and the repatriation scheme. All this could be put through in the next few days. From the Dominion's point of view the most important question was the fate of the South Sea Islands. He did not think we would get possession of Samoa without a struggle. He did not think those islands "would go back to Germany. On that point he felt sure the British Government was sound, but there would be many European nations at the conference, and they would have a voice in these matters, and we must be watchful, and this emphasised the necessity of every part of the British Dominions being represented. He outlined various subjects likely to be dealt with at the Peace Conference, which involved vast alterations to the map of the world. On the question of the disposition of the German navy, he said he could not imagine the ships being handed back to Germany. Personally, he. favoured one or two being sent out to New Zealand, where we could use at least one as a training ship. lie again stressed the need of the Dominion being represented, and asked members to facilitate the passa.ge of measures, so that the two leaders of the House could leave at the earliest possible moment. In answer to Dr. Newman, the Prime Minister declined to say who was going to'be resident Minister in London. He thought that question could stand over till the return of the leaders.