EMPIRE ORGANISATION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16448, 30 May 1919, Page 3

EMPIRE ORGANISATION.

AN INTERESTING ADDRESS,

BY MR. MASSEY, fit

By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright,

(Received May 30, 12.60 p.m.)

LONDON, May 29

At a complimentary luncheon tendered to Mr. Massey on Tuesday by the Empire Producers’ Organisation, the Marquess of Londonderry presided, and in proposing the toast of the guest, remarked that Now Zealand was proud of its Prime Minister, but ho was also proud of his fellow-countryman, Mr. Massey being a native of Derry. Mr. Massey’s speech dealt by request with the subject of Empire trade, with special reference to the question of Imperial preference. In the course of his address, which was listened to with evident appreciation, lifc pointed out that when the present fiscal system was established over 70 year's ago the colonies were looked upon as encumbrances, but to-day they were young and virile nations. and. as the war had proved, important parts of the Empire able and willing to do their - share in its defence or in any other way necessary. He was or opinion that as the conditions had mar tefially changed, so there should be a change of policy, which would operate in the interests of the whole Empire and assist to make it independent of other countries, so far as food supplies and raw materials for Britain’s industries! were concerned, at the same time strengthening the ties which kept the British nations united and solid. Imperial preference went much further than any alteration in the customs tariff ; it included for instance the muchneeded improvement of the Empire communications, both by shipping _ and cables, or even by an air service; it included immigration and financial matters and really preference by British countries to British countries in every way possible. At the conclusion of the address Mr. Massey received the enthusiastic thanks of the gathering.—Official.