PREMIERS' CONFERENCE

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14586, 8 February 1921, Page 5

PREMIERS' CONFERENCE

CALL TO MR MASSEY FOR HIB PERSONAL ATTENDANCE. PARLIAMENT TO MEET MARCH 10. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Monday. A call that has reached Mr Massey fo attend the Premiers' Conference in London in June was not altogether unexpected. Mr Massey is not desirous of leaving the Dominion this year, and he had arranged for Sir Francis Bell and Sir James Allen to represent New Zealand at the Conference, but a cablegram from Mr Lloyd George, urging iiis personal attendance, leaves him scarcely any option. Matters of very great importance have to be discussed at the Conference, including some subjects of peculiar Interest to New Zealand and Australia. Mr Massey will not cable his acceptance until after the meeting of Parliament on March 10 next, but the great majority of members who are acquainted with the facts are sure to approve of- his attendance in London. The special session would be required in any case in order that financial provision might be made for State services up to the date of the 6econd session, which will be called later in the year. This session probably will commence about the beginning of October, and as the business will include the Tariff Bill, it is" quite likely that Parliament will have to adjourn for Christmas and resume in the New Year. Mr Massey stated to-day that he did not intend to postpone the Tariff Bill to next year's session. If Mr Massey goes, the ActingPrime Minister will be Sir Francis Bell. This is an arrangement that will commend itself to those who wish to see a strong man at the head of affairs while Mr Massey is in London. The present Attorney-General is not often in the public eye, but he is the Prime Minister's right-hand man. WELLINI iTON, Tuesday. Mr Massey slates that the session will open on March 10, and Parliament will then have an opportunity to decide If he is to go Home, or if other arrangements will be made for New Zealand representation at the conference. The session will last only a week or ten days to deal with this subject and vote supplies. A second session will open not later than October 4, and no legislation will be sacrificed.