EMPIRE CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 December 1923, Page 5

EMPIRE CONFERENCE.

RESULTS STILL IN DOUBT. MR. MASSEY AT NEW YORK. , NEW ZEALAND LOAN. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dee. 25, 11-5 p.m. New York. Dec. 24. Mr. W. F. Massey arrived quite recovered from his recent cold. His itinerary encompasses- a short speaking tour of Montreal, Quebec and Ottawa, where he will be formally received by the Government. He sails from Vancouver on January 4. Mr. Massey informed the Australian Press Association that he had definitely arranged retails concerning the New Zealand loan. He added that though New Zealand was not anxious’about the loan it was a vigorous young country, and naturally required capital for its full industrial realisation, but its strong financial position relieves it of any concern of effecting such loan If such loa-i were made it would be floated in London rather than New York. Mr. Massey expressed reluctance to comment on the results of the Imperial Conference, especially in view of the British elections, which necessarily complicated the attitude of the British Parliament. The Premier, however, was inclined to admit frankly that the situation was such that lie desired to keep an open mind rather than predict specific results of the conference. He added: “T am hopeful that the British Parliament will act favourably on the conference's recommendations, but it is in the lap of tho gods.” Commenting on preferences, he declared that New Zealand was in an exceptionally favourable position, since its preferential arrangements with other Dominions had been long operative, and hence there was no uncertainty bn that score.