MINISTERS AT HOME.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16463, 16 June 1919, Page 3

MINISTERS AT HOME.

FAREWELL BANQUET.

TO MR, MASSEY AND SIR JOSEPH WARD.

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright,

LONDON, June 14. Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward were entertained at luncheon by the High Commissioner, prior to their intending departure for New Zealand. There was a very large number of New Zealanders and others present. Mr. Massey’s health was proposed by Mr. Cathcart Waiou, M.P., formerly of New Zealand, and Sir Joseph Ward’s by the Hon. Pembor Reeves. Referring to the work of the Peace Conference, Mr. Massey said that unfortunately many diverse issues were dealt with in the early stages,, thus causing many delays, but much important work had been done. It had to he remembered that world-wide alterations of boundaries and the settlements of the varied claims of over a score of nations could not be accomplished quickly and give complete satisfaction. >A stage of important developments had been reached, and within a few days the German delegates would be compelled either to sign or refuse definitely and accent the consequences. He felt certain that in any case the people throughout the Empire would courageously do the right thing in any circumstances. As regards Samoa, New Zealand would have preferred the British Government- to have taken control, but this was impossible under the mandatory system. Therefore, the next best thing was for New Zealand to accept control and make sure that Samoa would never again be under a foreign power. New Zealand, he .felt sure, accepted the responsibility without hesitation, and would do its best to make the islands prosperous and the inhabitants contented. He believed that in the-future New Zealand, with its dependencies, would become a strong British community in the South Pacific. He had no fear for the future so far ns New Zealand was concerned, and felt confident- that the people would do their share in any crisis tha--r igbt arise. British people everywhere must take up energetically the policy of development, and become independent of other nations for their most important requirements. Sir Joseph Ward said the Empire had to meet an unparalleled position as regards finance. Only two things would help the taxpayer to carry the burdeiv. These wore: (1) Enormously increased production; (2) the determination to save in directions not hitherto contemplated. It was to be regretted that some of the great men at the Peace Conference were very often misunderstood as to what they were really doing in extraordinary difficulties. The general feeling was that wo were not going to lose the war by having a had peace.—Official.