THE PRIME MINISTER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19817, 8 December 1919, Page 8

THE PRIME MINISTER.

CIVIC RECEPTION. [Pkr Press Association.] MARTON, December S. Mr Alassey was given a civic reception at Mart on on Saturday. The station was decorated witu bunting, music was provided by an orchestra, and there was a b.g attendance and a good reception. The Mayor read an address expressing appreciation of the excellent results obtained by his dignified filing of the 1 position of chief representative of the j Dominion at the hj * urical Peace Con- j fercnce. Warm appreciation was expressed at the way lie had grasped the sithation, also at the results following his efforts to obtain a mandate for New Zealand to administer Samoa and Nauru. Peace had a tendency to make the community forgetful, and, therefore, quite apart from political considerations, they wished to assure him of the grateful appreciation of his public services for New Zealand, which were warmly welcomed by the Motherland ami the entire British Empire. .Replying, Mr Massey congratulated' the Dominion on its share in tiro war and Marton on the quota it sent. Nauru Island would he of considerable value. Now Zealand must have fertilisers to maintain her fertility. The island would supply phosphates to Australia and Now Zealand for 200 years. As to the control of Samoa, it would not do to allow it to pass into enemy power. There would be no indentured labour under British control, Samoa would pay its way. They were up against a serious problem of reconstruction, not only for Now Zealand hut for the Empire. Wc should do our share iu naval defence as well as land defence. Britain depended on her naval supicmacy. He concluded with thanks for the kindly thought which prompted tho reception.