PRESENTATION TO THE PRIME MINISTER.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXIV, Issue 17735, 8 December 1919, Page 4

PRESENTATION TO THE PRIME MINISTER.

RECOGNITION OP IMlfbilALservice;-. „,.•

GATHERING AT MARTON -HJNCT4ON.

A largely-atttendad gathering or a non-politicai nature was held at Marton Junction on Saturday afternoon, when a presentation address was made to the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. W. F. Massey, by tho Mayor of Martoii, Mr W. C.Kensington, 1.5.0., on behalf of the residents of Marton and the surrounding districts.

The statiton was gaily bedecked with llagi, and on the arrival of the Wellington express there was1-a scene of enthusiasm.

After hearty cheeers had been given Mr E. Newman, M.P., explained that the gathering was quite non-party and non-political. The Mayor then read the follow^ ing address:— ",

"The past session of Parliament having en tared upon its work almost immediately, upon your return to New Zealand from the long and arduous consultations of the celebrated Peace Conference, we, the people of Martoii r.ud surrounding districts, have had little opportunity of expressing our appreciation of the excellent results obtained by your dignified i/iling of the position of chief representative of this Dominion at the now historical conference. *•

"Hearing that you were likely to pass through by rail this week, w© take the opportunity of conveying to you, both personally and by this written address, our warmest appreciation, not only of the clear way.iii which you grasped the whole position but also for the results which hare followed your efforts to obtain mandates fof New Zealand to administer certain islands, such as Samoa and Nauru, etc., the latter island being most invaluable to the farming cofiinunity from its abundant supplies of phosphates.

"The reign of peace once more has a tendency to make us as a community forgetful of all that has so recently happened, and therefore, quite apart from all political considerations, we wish to place on record and also to personally rssure you of our grateful appreciation of all your public services for New Zealand which were so warmly welcomed by the Motherland and centre of the British Empire." PRIME MINISTER'S REPLY. In reply, Mrs Massey said the address was as unexpected as it was appreciated. He knew a good deal abcut.Marton as a centre of considerable importance, which had done its full share during the war, not only in sending men, but also'in keeping up

Proceeding, Mr Massey said he was the representative of New Zealand at the great conference, where all the overseas Dominions took their full part, as they now will for all time in matters of peace or war, trade or defence.. He would always be proud that he was the representative of New Zealand. He would have liked to have seen an easier passage for the League of Nations, but if wars were less fres«*jnt their work would not have beeirin vain. Personally he had given his best for New Zealand. The representatives had worked amicably together during a very important five months,; and they had parted the best "of friends with the representatives •ot the allied countries. The Pacific Islands for which the mandates had been given would prove of great value to New Zealand. Fertilisers were essential, and it was estimated there were sufficient phosphates at Nauru to supply Australasia for the next 200 years. It was, New Zea-, land's duty to control Samoa. They could not run the risk of it getting into the hands of an enemy PoWier. A Voice: But cut out the inden» tured labour.

Mr Massey said he believed there would not be any, in a few years, as already some of the men who were indentured wanted to stay thea-e. The climate was tropical, with a heavy rainfall, and it would be folly to let the great plantations go to ruin. He believed that. Samoa; would pa yits way. New Zealand" was doing the right thing in seeing that the country did not go back to an enemy Power with a squadron iri the P&cific. j . : Continuing, Mr Massey said New; Zealand's duty was clear. With the. end of the war a period of construction was ahead, and they should develop New Zealand and develop tile: Empire, and do the right' thing' in the defence of the Empire, both on land and ssa. (Applause.) It was; even more important to do their share in naval defence than land defence. (Hear, hear!) A new era had dawned. The Empire was dependant on naval supremacy for itf existence. (Applause.) '

In conclusion, Mr Massey thanked the Marton people for the kindly tbought that had prompted the little function.

As the train left more cheers were given for the Prime Minister and an orchestra played "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." ,