THE OLD LAND.

Wairarapa Age, 27 August 1930, Page 5

THE OLD LAND.

PRIME MINISTER ON HIS MISSION. REPRESENTATIVE OF LOYAL PEOPLE. PRESENT ECONOMIC PROBLEMS. AUCKLAND, August 26. Speaking at a farewell ceremony prior to his departure for the Imperial Conference, the Prime Minister (the Hon. G. W. Forbes) said that in attending the conference he knew he went first and foremost voicing the very strong feeling of loyalty of New Zealand for the Old Land. Personally, he could not have any other sentiment towards the Old Country. He had been brought up in that atmosphere all his life. They were our kith and kin in the Old Land and he realised that New Zealanders would stand by them through thick and thin. There existed that strong sentiment that was better than anything put on paper. While New Zealand felt towards the Old Land as she did, there was no need of parchments. He felt that the New Zealand representative at the conference would be in one of the strongest positions of any, because he would be speaking for people who were all of one mind. One matter of great importance that would come up at the Conference would be that of Empire trade. In New Zealand we had given practical expression to our sentiment for the Old Country by giving her manufacturers very substantial preference. Ours was no mere lip service, and in the Old Country that expression had been greatly appreciated. New Zealand had every right to feel proud of her financial position at Home. Her reputation stood higher than that of any of the other Dominions. This country undoubtedly had its troubles. There had been a substantial fall in the value of its products, bnt it had experienced lower prices in the past. Costs were to-day higher, but the whole thing was a matter of readjustment. There were great possibilities for an increase of New Zealand products. He felt sure that in a few short years the production of the Dominion would be doubled and with that prospect in front of them there was no need for people to feel pessimistic about the future. New Zealand would soon get over her difficulties. It was a matter of readjustment and then she could confidently face the coming years.—(P.A.) UNEMPLOYED DEMONSTRATE. AUCKLAND, August 26. A small party of unemployed waving a hostile banner and indulging in eat calls took part on the farewell to the Prime Minister at the wharf at 11.30 a.m. to-day. but Mr Forbes was unperturbed. and he waved to friends and foes alike as he stood on the gangway with Mrs. Forbes till joined by Sir Thomas and Mrs. Sifley.—(P.A.)*