THE MINISTERS INTERVIEWED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3575, 9 October 1916, Page 5

THE MINISTERS INTERVIEWED.

NEW ZEALAND'S UNSWERVING LOYALTY.

(Received October 9, 9.15 a .pi.) LQIn-DONj October'B. ,Mr Massey, inter viewed, said: "Wo are here representing a united community. There ispractically, no djiference of opinion among New Zcalanden regarding "the duty of assisting the Empire in the „ crisis it is passing through.' New Zealand is not less Imperialistic than any other part of his Majesty's Dominions, and is prepared to make any sacrifice required to carry the struggle to a. successful issue."

Sir Joseph Ward, in endorsing Mr Massey's statements, remarked that their one object 'was to co-operate* .at the centre in helping to strengthen the feral position of t^ife Empire- as a )le. There wore no differences of iion in New Zealand regarding the iiuperative necessity for prosecuting the war to a victorious end. Anything in the shape of premature peace would be regarded by the people as inimical to the Empire's best interests. Referring to the success- of New Zealand's war loan. Sir Joseph Ward said it was a proof of keenness, and that the matter was viewed from a practical standpoint. " In a comparatively young country, with important developmental.-- work progressing', tc liave asked the people before the- waiv to lend the country sucli a suru would have: been useless. The result of the loan showed the, depth of. feeling per r meatiiig the ' community in its desire to co-operate and -help-i-thc Motherlajid: with the sinews of war equally with men. It also proved that economy was doing its share in New Zealand, and it would continue right to the end to do its part.

The Ministers, io» reply tot> questions. emphasised the of labour troubles.

Mr Massey added that there had been no difficulty whatever \rt finding recruits for the reinforcements, ' as agreed upon fully 18 months ago, under tho voluntary scheme. Sir Joseph Word said : " The Compulsory Service Act is legally in force, though as for a? wo nro siwnre it ha: not yet been brought intOj, actuf; operation.'? Asked 'regarding wages and the increased cost of living;, Mr Massey stated that tho majority of the employers, from the Government downwards, had met the employees, anc 1 thetre had been no • occasion for State intjbrferenco. The country ns a whole wns very prosperous.