EMPIRE BONDS

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19661, 22 August 1935, Page 8

EMPIRE BONDS

MR FORBES’ SPEECH

NEW ZEALAND AND WAR.

PANDEMONIUM AT RECEPTION,

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Thursday

Speaking at the Wellington civic reception last night to the Prime Minister, Mr Forbes said: “When one took part, as I did, in the processions in the crowded London streets, I felt that that was one of the greatest occasions that had taken place in that old city. People turned out in their millions to express their loyalty to King and Queen. It gave one a feeling of security to know that, as far as 'Britain and the Empire were 'concerned, they were knit together with a se’ntiment that could stand the greatest shocks that could be applied to them.” Mr Forbes paid a tribute to the services of Mr Coates in the meat negotiations. He had devoted himself day in, and day out, to the work. Mr Forbes said he had visited some of the industrial centres of Britain, particularly Bradford and Leeds, where he. had discussed frankly what faults there were in New Zealand's wool. The authorities there were anxious to do their best for New Zealand. They said quality -could still be improved, - particufarly in the coarse sorts. He had also visited a number of factories and 'manufacturers and they were all cheery as to their prospects. The principal interjections during Mr Forbes’ speech were regarding war, one interjector asking Mr Forbes to explain why .in his speech in Canada he had committed New Zealand to war in the -event of England’s participation in another conflict. He demanded that Mr Forbes should withdraw that statement. Mr Forbes, in reply, said his statement, was made as he was passing through Canada and.it had been published in “ garbled " form In New Zealand. What he did say was that before New Zealand would go to war in a&so'ciation with Britain, the Parliament of New Zealand would first have to .be called together to pass a measure or legislation. “ I made that quite clear before 1 left New Zealand,” Mr Forbes added, “ when I stated the legal position in the House and said that when Britain was at war the rest- of the Empire in theory was at war, but I stipulated that before we joined- them Parliament would have to be called together. I claim that I should be judged on what I actually said.” The Prime Minister’s explanation did not satisfy the interjectors and pandemonium reigned for several minutes.