MR. MASSEY'S REPLY TO WELCOME.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 16751, 14 October 1916, Page 7

MR. MASSEY'S REPLY TO WELCOME.

LONDON, October 12

Mr Bonar Law concluded his speech at the luncheon to Mr Mas» Sey and Sir Joseph Ward by quoting the words used at the Anzac service m Westminster Abbey:—"We are resolved that our sons and brothers shall not have laid- down their lives in vain."

Mr Mapsey, replying, said the events of. the war had proved to the world and,to our enemies that tb" citizens of the Empire were intensely loyal, and were prepared to prove it by the severest tests. He and Sir Joseph Ward had not come to,ventilate grievances. They realised that diose entrusted with the conduct of imperial affairs were carrying the heaviest responsibilities ever placed upon the shoulders of British statesmen, and therefore the proper thing for all was to present a determined and united front to the enemy. Then, after the war, we -,ould settle any differences we might Yave for our mutual benefit. The community had a solemn duty to civilisation and posterity to see that the blood shed had not been shed in vain. Germany's inhuman methods were not entitled to any consideration. We must go on until the, enemy is,crufshed,and broken and acknowledges defeat. Britain was not a ,decadent natiton as the Central Powers had deluded themselves into believing. There were many important matters for post-war consideration. Our industry, energy, and ability must be encouraged as never beforehand every deservingman given a chance to share the good things of life. After the war something more than mere ties of blood, kinship, and tradition would assuredly be required to unite.- the Empire. Any new ties must leave the Dominions free to manage their own affairs, and the ties must be capable of meeting the changing conditions in the various parts of the Empire.

■We- had taken up the burden of the Empire and intend to carry it, believing it the right thing +0 do. AYith wise an-1 statesmanlike management of the units the Empire will stand loyal to the ideals of the Enr.pire, which must appeal to the most unimaginative. He fully agreed with the findings of the Paris Conference. The sooner we were prepared to meet the German economic content the betta;.

V.c was sure the present generation in New Zealand would i.ot purchase any enemy goods obtainable within the Empire- It may not be possible to have free trade in the Empire, but it would be possible to give preference to each other, also to open the door to our Allies-