FOR STATE AND EMPIRE

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 11 May 1925, Page 12

FOR STATE AND EMPIRE

Notable Record of Robust Imperialism

“The Prime Minister of the Dominion of New Zealand is a robust Imperialist of a practical type. Out of the last three years Mr. Massey has practically spent two in our midst, and the British public has learned to know him well He has done splendid service at the /Peace Conference. He has played there the role which everyone expected from so staunch a patriot- • • • Thanks in large measure to the persuative and robust advocacy of Mr. Massey, it is expressly provided in the Treaty of Peace that the South Pacific Islands are to be administered under the laws of the mandatory as an integral part of her territory. This is merely one instance of his splendid service at the Peace Conference. He has been strong on the question of indemnities and reparation; no one has been more insistent on securing the trial and punishment of those guilty of crimes against the laws and customs of war. He has been an ardent supporter of the League of Nations, though at times he may have thought that the settlement of the actual terms of peace was even more pressing than the drafting of the covenant of the League.’^ DEVOTION TO DUTY. . . * These comments on the most important phase of Mr. Massey’s service for State and Empire during the war period are taken from the London “Daily Telegraph's” editorial colums of June 28th,. 1919. They practically reiterate with emphasis similar opinions expressed on several occasions in other leading British journals, including the “Times,” and the Daily Mail,” which noted particularly his practical common-sense, energy and devotion to duty. But all who know him recognised that loyalty to duty-was the. aim of his daily routine and the rock foundation of his policy. “It has always seemed to me a regrettable thing,” Mr. Massey declared in his spirited reply to the protests, against the passing of the New. Zealand Compulsory Military Service Bill, in 1916, “that, there are people, who while readily accepting the rights and privileges of citizenship, ignore the'duties and responsibilities that citizenship entails.”- - > . v /

In View of the fact that Mr. Massey had nearly completed thirteen years’ strenuous ser-vice-.as Briniq Minister, including'five of ■ the, most eventful years in human history,.it : Vdll be., of interest to outline his career and activities in the practical politics of New-Zealand and also in Imperial circles. He had been continuously, a member of,the New Zealand Parliament since 1894, vvhen he was first elected member for Waitemata. Throughout he has been a determined fighter, always pledging his energy to the best interests of the State. After an apprenticeship as Leader of the Opposition, which would have daunted less earnest men, he came the strength of the Liberal Party in 1912, and became Prime Minister. Indeed his first, experience as an administrator was as Prime Minister. He had also been Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Mines, Labour, Finance, Railways, and Industries and Commerce. In fact there are few Ministerial portfolios which at some period of his administrative career he had not filled. *

Mr. MASSEY’S INVALUABLE SERVICE

MR. MASSEY’S BEST SERVICE Mr. Massey’s best service for the Empire was undoubtedly the unmeasured manner in which he urged the people of New Zealand to throw the full weight of their patriotism and resources into the Allies’ fight for world freedom. “We do notremember a single occasion,” declared the “London Daily Telegraph,” “on which the head of the National Government of New Zealand has failed to speak worthily on behalf of the splendid Dominion which sent to Europe nearly 100,000 gallant soldiers, whose war record is. surpassed by none.” There was not a moment’s hesitation on his part about guaranteeing a practical exercise, of the patriotism of New Zealand on behalf of the Empire. Before war was declared iii August, 1914, but when it appeared to be inevitable, Mr. Massey cabled to the Imperial Government stating that all that New Zealanders had and were would be at the disposal of the Empire’s Government. The Dominion’s record in the war proves that the Prime Minister’s pledge was no empty promise. As has already been stated, but which is worthy of repeating, the Dominion actually mobilised 124,211 men, or 11.4 per cent, of the total population. The number of men who went abroad on active service was 100,444, or 42 per cent, of the males of military age. Of these 91,941 were volunteers. When the decisive Armistice was signed at Spa in November, 1918, the New Zealand Division, after experiencing a total wastage in the Force of 41,435 men, including over 16,000 killed, was at; full strength with . ample reinforcements available. New Zealand Forces were the first to take possession of enemy territory oversea, German Samoa being surrendered to a New Zealand Expeditionary Force a few weeks after the declaration of war. • MOST MOMENTOUS YEARS The Main Body left the Dominion in October, 1914, and later took part in the illfated Gallipoli campaign, then in many important and imperishable battles in France, where the reputation of the New Zealand Division as men and soldiers is enshrined in the hearts and memories of,the gallant and grateful citizens of fair France. “I heartily congratulate you "on the completion of the main portion of your great work,” said Mr. Massey to M. Clemenceau at the historic ceremony of '_ the signing of the Treaty of Peace at Versailles, where and when so many farewells had to be hurriedly made. “And let me congratulate you, too,” responded M. Clemenceau in his charming manner, “on your work, and please also congratulate your brave men and thank them for France.

In 1915 the National Government of New Zealand was formed in order principally to prosecute to a successful issue New Zealand’s enterprise in the war. It is true that the National Government has often been damned with something less than faint praise for its domestic service, but most critics have admitted that it succeeded in achieving its main purpose. It delivered the goods to the Empire at a very critical time,

In March, 1915, Mr. Massey succeeded in completing an arrangement with the _ Imperial Government by which the Dominion’s output :of frozen meat was purposed for waT purposes. This was followed later by a, similar purchase of New Zealand’s output of wool and dairy produce. Under the arrangement over £160,000,000 worth of these products was delivered to the British Government, the arrangement turning out satisfactorily for both parties to the contract. The Dominion had been, however, kept continuously prosperous throughout the period of war, while on the other hand, a very important addition was made to the food supply of Great Britain at a very reasonable price. COUNCILS OF THE NATION Mr. Massey, accompanied by Sir Joseph Ward, Minister of Finance, represented New Zealand at the Imperial War Cabinet and War Conferences of 1917 and 1918, held in London. While at Edinburgh, during his first visit to the Mother Country, Mr. Massey urged the adoption of the system of Imperial War Cabinet conferences, which subsequently did so much to co-ordinate the war activities and poliev of the different units of the Empire. In 1917, at meetings of the Imperial War Cabinet and Imperial Conferences, Mr. Massey, mover resolutions, which were agreed to unanimously, in favour of Imperial reference. The .principle was subsequently accepted by the British Government as part of their policy. . He also strove hard and consistently for the permanent pereservation of the Allied soldiers’ graves on Gallipoli, and ultimately succeeded in securing the Imperial Government’s support of his suggestion that a portion of Gallipoli should be placed under British control for all time. Such a provision has been duly inserted in the Treaty of Peace with Turkey.

HONOURED BY MANY STATES The Prime Minister held a unique record as regards honours and achievements. He was a member of the Privy Council, and a Freeman of ten cities in the United Kingdom. Within a few years from his entry into the forefront of Imperial service he had conferred upon him in rapid succession the freedom of London, Edinburgh, York, Cardiff, Londonderry, Bristol, Manchester, Bath, Darlington and Sheffield. He was the first oversea statesman to receive the freedom of the City of Londonderry, and the first Colonial freeman to exercise his rights and privileges in voting at an election of sheriffs for the City of London. Mr. Massey was an honorary LL.D. of Cambridge, Edinburgh and Belfast Universities. He also enjoys the distinction of having received the Freedom and Livery of the Worshipful- Company of Clothworkers. He was a Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour (France) and a Grand Officer of the Order of the Crown of Belgium. Mr. Massey for many years had been a member of the Masonic Order and last year had the high honour conferred upon him of being installed Grand Master of the Order of New Zealand. As the British Press has pointed out, Mr. Massey, asm New Zealand Plenipotentiary with full powers, did excellent work for the State and Empire at the great Peace Conference at Paris in 1919. In company with Sir Ernest Pollock, K.C., then Solicitor-General, he was appointed to represent the British Empire on the Commission on Responsibilities for War and the Enforcement of Penalties, winning warm praise for the manner in which he acted as President of the Sub-Commission on Facts, and Chairman of the Drafting Committee, whose report will rank as one of the most remarkable documents in history; He appeared on several occasions before the Council of the Principal Allied and Associated Powers in support of New Zealand’s claim for British retention of German Samoa, and in large measure secured a provision in the Treaty of Peace, that the South Pacific Islands are to be administered under the laws of the mandatory as an integral part of her territory.

Mr. Massey attended the Plenary Sessions of the Peace Conference, and the numerous meetings of the British Empire Delegation*; and was a keen advicate on the questions . of. indemnities and reparation, and the punishtnent of the ex-Kaiser and those guilty of offences against the laws and customs of war.

As regards the disposal of the small, but commercially valuable, Island of Nauru, Mr. Massey submitted a strong claim on behalf of New Zealand, as a producing country requiring an ample supply of phosphates. The Australian delegates sought a mandate for the Commonwealth, but Mr. Massey urged Imperial control with provision made for an adequate supply of phosphates to Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand.

While at the Peace Conference, Mr. Massey attended many conferences with the representatives of the Admiralty, the Shipping Board, the Foreign Office and the Colonial Office, and discussed questions of interest to the Dominion. He succeeded in securing a comparatively generous share of insluated shipping for the New Zealand, export trade, and made arrangements in respect of the supply of a gift training-ship for the Dominion, and also an up-to-date light cruiser for service in New Zealand waters. ■

It Is interesting to mention that in addition to being in the official paintings of the Allied Plenipotentiaries at the Peace Conference, Mr. Massey is included in a painting for the National Gallery in •London by Sir James Guthrie, President of the National Portrait Gallery, who has been commissioned by a South African magnate to paint three groups of prominent British soldiers*'sailors and statesmen, .who have rendered sterling Imperial service during the past five eventful years. .

AFTER THE NATIONAL CABINET In 1919, when the National Government of New Zealand dissolved, Mr.. Massey: was returned at the elections with a very substantial majority over all other parties; Post-war troubles and problems came rapidly forward to be dealt with. The repatriation of soldiers returning from the various fronts was a difficult problem, increased by the demand of the men for farms qnd houses. The work , was successfully carried out. The soldiers’ organisations in New Zealand have repeatedly passed resolutions expressing appreciation of the Massey Government’s practical efforts on behalf of the returned men. FINANCIAL PROBLEMS The unexpected slump in produce prices in 1921 an,d 1922, the financial stringency generally of that period, over-importations, and other attendant causes occasioned a fall in the Dominion’s revenue, and Mr. Massey, on his return from England in 1921 had to face a difficult problem. B; by strict economies and drastic entrenchment, totalling five million sterling, he ballanced his accounts. Economising is never a popular game; and Mr. Massey had to face the results of his poficy at the polls at the general election in December, 1922. But he came through with a small working majority over both opposition parties, and he has been able to carry on.

- /At the end of the financial year in April, 1924, the Dominion showed a very substantial credit balance, and this falct Mr. Massey claimed in vindication of t his economisation policy;, especially as in the last session he was able amongst other notable., concessions to announce a substantial surplus and to reduce income taxation*.by twenty per cent, all round, and to re-institute penny postage.

■ .As Finance Minister Mr. Massey has been conspicuously successful, having been mainly instrumental in lifting the from a very serious depression following on the Great War, until to-day it is the most prosperous of any of the Dominions' 6f the Empire.

ATTENDED FIFTH CONFERENCE

In 1921 and 1923 Mr. Massey attended the Imperial» Conferences in London, and played a prominent part in the deliberations. The Imperial'Conference held towards the end of 1923 was the fifth he had attended as the representative of New Zealand. He was not the only Prime Minister remaining in office who as such was present at the War Cabinet meetings in 1917, but he was the only head of a Government that held his position through the war and post-war period. He has been termed the Father of the late Conference. He typically represented the whole-hearted desire of New Zealand for a United Empire. At the recent Conference he advocated Imperial Preference from the view-point of its value to the Empire as a whole. This has been abundantly clear in his public utterances.

ESTEEM OF THE CITIZENS *

On Empire Day, 1923, the Prime Minister; and Mrs. Massey were given substantial proof of the respect and esteem in which they were held by the citizens of Auckland, where Mr. Massey’s home has been ever since he arrived as a boy of fourteen in New Zealand in 1870.- Mrs. Massey was presented with a valuable necklace of diamonds, and Mr. Massey with an illuminated address, and a series of very handsome water-colour paintings, reminiscent of the different stages of his career, the district in which he was born, the school which he atteiidedvin his native town, the church of: which his-relatives were members, arid the ship in which he arrived in New Zealand. GLOWING TRIBUTES. ' “I do not believe there is an EnglisHtaakiisliVe'//' ■who has done more for the Empire than has Mr ~ Massey,” declared Earl Jellicoe, retiring. GovernorGeneral of New Zealand at the Overseas League banquet held in London last month in his honour. In the " Old Land, Mr Massey’s splendid work as an out-/ standing champion of unity of Empire is recognised by>King George and the Prince of Wales, no less than; by distinguished Imperial and overseas statesmen. Not, ' only have the great political leaders eulogised Mr : Massey’s service as an Empire-builder, but the highest financial authorities have praised his leadership and acknowledged their implicit faith in New Zealand’s, financial stability: and good name. Periodical refer-/ -h ence jiS made in influential journals to the sound economic conditions prevailing in New Zealand. Ac-;'f customed as the able writers in London are to analyse V financial statements such journals as “The Economist”' have not hesitated to pronounce an exceedingly favourable opinion on the Dominion’s financial position as disclosed in Mr Massey’s last Budget, such as this:—h' “Dwellers in Albion will learn with surprise—and not.', a little envy—that in certain happy isles on the . mer', side of the world successive Finance Ministers have not • merely been able substantially to ease the taxpayers’’ burden without any upset of budgetary equilibrium, j.. but have’ in five years devoted to desirable social de- V; velopments an amount almost equal to the whole of.V thb Govefnmentfs current ’annual income without any’!/ appreciable increase in the National Debt. . . The/-’, story of these achievements is narrated in the financial','accounts for 1923-24, presented to the Dominion Par-e'J'; liament by Mr Massey on July 23rd last. The very:V strong, financial, condition of..the Dominion is ; > apparent..;’, throughout the statement of the finances, mid though ' ’ it closes on a note of warning against extravagance, the' • tone of the Minister’s speech is one of quiet and just!-'"' Sable optimism.”

Just recently “The London Times” opened a comprehensive review of the financial, natural and commercial activities of the Dominion of New Zea-

land, which is published in the Annual Financial and Commercial Review of the national affairs of the lead-

ing countries of the world, by saying: “Probably no country in the world has made such a speedy recovery ’* ‘ from the aftermath of the war as the Dominion of t ■■ New Zealand, whose happy conditions are. ' J largely attributable to the wisdom and prudence with y which .the finances were administered both during the I war,' troublesome . time which 1 followed.”!* t No Hither tributeto the magnificent services Mr rendered the State and the Empire need be sought thair'v that voiced ■ by, the distinguished statesmen and inlluen- ■

tial press of the'Old Land who can dispassionately view, "; in the true perspective the life work of an Empire-/ builder; c-“l util/ g/gat-lea ler of this Britain of !h7 I >■ •South;"' ”' “ ~lf