STATUTE OF WESTMINSTER

Taranaki Daily News, 24 July 1931, Page 9

STATUTE OF WESTMINSTER

EMPIRE’S RELATIONSHIPS

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATE.

SEW ZEALAND ASKS NO CHANCE.

By Telegraph.—Pres* Aieopiatiop. Wellington, Last Night._ Sir Thomas Sidey moved in the Legislative Council to-day the adoption of the address on the Statute of - Westminster. He said so far as New Zealand was concerned there was no desire for a change in the constitution, arid all Parliament was being asked to do was to place no obstacles in the way <if other Dominions which did seek changes. The representatives of New Zealand at the Imperial Conference had been inspired with the need for Imperial unity. Seconding the motion, Sir Francis Bell said that although he hoped the effect of the Stati}t e would not be to disunite the Empire, he had the gravest doubts on that score. He hoped New Zealand would never agree to come under the charter for which the Statute stood. Sir James Allen agreed that it was better for New Zealand to keep in close association with the British Government than to attempt to live a life of its own before it was ready. Attempts should be made to strengthen the'trade relations of the Empire; otherwise there would be friction.

The Hon. D. Buddo expressed satisfaction -that the right of New Zealand litigants to appeal to the Privy Council had been retained.

The debate was adjourned, and the Council rose at 4 p.m. until to-morrow.

The Statute of Westminster is a result of the deliberations on al questions by the Imperial Conference last year. A draft statute , was prepared, to clarify the constitutional position and the powers of the Governments in the United Kingdom and the Dominions, which is to be passed by the British Parliament op the receipt of approving resolutions from the Dominion parliaments. ‘ c '