MR MASSEY AT HOME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17181, 26 October 1923, Page 4

MR MASSEY AT HOME.

“FATHER t>F CONFERENCE.” Ey Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, October 24. Speaking at the British Chamber of Commerce dinner the Duke of Devonshire, Secretary of State for the ColonieSj referred to Mr Massey as the father of the Imperial Conference, and expressed the hope that, when he could not attend himself, he would throw on his successor his mantle of usefulness, helpfulness and true Imperial spirit. Mr Massey, replying to the toast of the Trade of the Empire, said that he had reason to believe that India would be perfectly satisfied with wliat the Conference had done that day. Referring to reparations the New Zealand Prime Minister said that France was wrong in occupying tiie Ruhr, but people should not forget that France had been twice invaded in fifty years. Britain, Australia and New Zealand were paying their war debts to the last shilling, and, personally, he would like to see European countries reminded that a cheque would oblige. Mr Massey, referrincr to the question of Free Trade, said: “You allow goods into your country duty free, but do other countries allow your goods in free? Not much. They charge you up to the hilt and you are soft enough to call that free trade.'’ Mr R. V. Wilson, Hon Minister in Charge of Immigration, stated that Australia was not a kindergarten and the men who came out must work. The delegates came here to plead, but Britain and the dominions ought to play filty-fifty in the interests of the Empire. Australia would be pble to carry out her part in the deal.