MR MASSEY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16510, 22 August 1921, Page 2

MR MASSEY.

THE ANCL.Q-JAPANEBE TREATY. SHEFFIELD SPEECHES, By Press Association—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Press Association. LONDON, August 19. Mr 'Massey was presented with the freedom of Sheffield, after a ceremony in tlio Council Chamber, at which the. Lord Mayor presided. Mr Massey emphasised tho value of Imperial conferences. Mr Lloyd George and liis colleagues had done everything possible to meet the dominions’ wishes. “ There was notliing about which wo were united and could reasonably ask ior which was not granted,* 1 ho said. Justifying the continuance of the Anglo-J apaneso treaty, Mr Massey said that Japan was not compelled to assist us, but camo to our aid, especially in the Pacific. It would not bo in the British character to turn our backs upon those who were loyal in our greatest danger, lie would like to see a tri-partite arrangement between Britain, the United States and Japan, us he believed it would bo for the good of the world. He regretted that the idea of consultation preliminary to tbo Washington Conference regarding the Pacific had been turned down. Mr Massey also was entertained at lunch by the firm of Vickers, aud inspected the works. Speaking at the luncheon, ho said it was necessary to strengthen tho bonds of Empire. New Zealanders had not foiled in this direction in the past and would not fail in tho future. He hoped that Britain’s, industrial supremacy soon would be restored, but he could seo lots of competition coming along. The Empire must put in lots of energy as regards Imperial preference. Britain was receiving Dominion goods without ('barging a penny, whereas other countries blocked us by charging Customs duties. Ho trusted that Britain was not going to open her doors to those who closed theirs against her in order that they might flood Britain with dumped goods Later, Mr Massey visited York and thence went to Darlington.

DOMINION’S IMMIGRATION LAW. LONDON, August 20. Mr Massey, at Darlington, in accepting the freedom of tho city, declared that tbe immigration laws of New Zealand were the most drastic in the Empire, because they did not allow' people to come from any country, except Britain, without obtaining the permission of the New Zealand Government. The effect would bo that in years to come the people of New Zealand would be more of British stock than those of any other colony iu the Empire. New Zealanders tv ere passionate in the de | mand for unity of the Empire, and i looked upon themselves as British citizens from now to the Day of Judgment. Tho Empire must jealously guard its self-power. If the connection with the Pacific weDt the Empire j would be at an end.