MINISTERIAL VISIT

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 153, 18 March 1918, Page 6

MINISTERIAL VISIT

TO FOXTON AND OTAKI

MR. MASSEY VIEWS SOME LAND

THE SHIPPINC OUTLOOK.'

A Ministerial visit was paid to the Otaki and Southern Manawatu district on Saturday by the Prime Minister (Right Hon. W. I' , . Massey) and the .Minister of Lands (Hon. D. H. Guthrie). They were accompanied by the member for the district (Mr. \V. 'H.> Field, M.P.), Mr. J. D. Ritchie, chairman of the Land Purchase Board, and Mr. G. H. M'Clure, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

On arrival at Levin the party were met by the Mayor (Mr. 0. Blcnkhorn), and in motorcars were taken round the district to inspect land suitablo for closer settlement, particularly by returned soldiers. The country was showing signs somewhat of the summer season, but the openings for closer settlement wero apparent. The late J. R. Mac Donald's estate and other lands were inspected, and if anything like a reasonable prico could'be agreed upon at which the land could be acquired and afterwards subdivided and profitably worked by small settlers, the Government could obtain some fine dairying country for our discharged soldiers desirous of going upon the land.

From tho Levin district the Ministerial party proceeded to Foxton, where the Mayor (Mr. Chrystall), borough councillors, Mr. E. Newman, M.P., and a largo gathering of citizens had assembled at the Municipal Chambers to welcome the visitors. In the course of his remarks the Mayor referred to Mr. Massey's political career and his many porsonal good qualities, and said thoy welcomed him as the head of the National Government. They had all sunk their political differences, and were united in working for the common aim, which was to defeat the national enemy. In replying to the welcome, the Pnmo Minister, who was most cordially -received, expressed his great pleasure at this, his first visit to Foxton. The last three years had been full or heavy responsibilities and heavy work, and he had been unable to spare much timo from headquarters to visit many parts of the Dominion. He congratulated the district , on its evident prosperity. He was aware that Foxton in the past had experienced local difficulties, somo of which had been ventilated in Parliament, but most of these had been settled, and there was every reason for predicting a bright future for the town and district. N Speaking, generally, Mr. Massey saidhe had never seen the Dominion looking so well and prosperous. Our lines were cast in pleasant places as compared 'with other parts of tho Empire in these dark days of war. Tho combination of the loyalty and patriotism oi our people, on the one hand, and the industry and energy of. our settlers on, the other hand, had achieved a fold result.. It had placed New Zealand in the van as far as the Mipire was concerned, and at the same time had rendered tho Dominion prosperous, and therefore so well able to do her full part in the present national crisis. New Zealand had made sacrifices, but they could not compare with those-made by the heart of the Empire itself and,by our Allies.

The Shipping Outlook, Referring to the present shipping outlook, Mr. Massey said that our stability depended upon our being able to get our produce shipped. Die Imperial Government hacf requisitioned New Zealand produce to the extent of twenty-five millions sterling annually. This involved their undertaking to provide shipping to take rt away, which was a vital factor tor the prosperity of the Dominion. Troubles had been experienccdnn the past, and tho position had to be anxiously and most carefully watched. He was sorry that ho could not promise that the outlook would be bet, tor than it waa to-day, but ho hoped t would not he long before they were able to get all their produce shipped, oven that which the Imperial Government had not taken over, including flax 'Apparently it was impossible to say'how long tho submarine menace "n to continue. The National Government had laid down a definite policy, which was to enable New ZeaCd to do her full duty to the Empire in the timo of its trial, and also at the same time to keep the country prosporous. The Government had endeavoured to do what was right, and he had .no doubt that right would prevail. Tlufyisi'tors were entertained nt luncheon, and after visiting the wharves and the Round Bush scenic reserve, journeyed through the Moutoa estate to Shannon, where the Mayor (Mr. \ . Murdoch) and a large gathering.of residents welcomed the Prime Minister. Discharged Soldiers' Settlement. In the course of n short speech, Mr. Massey gave an outline of the policy of discharged soldiers' settlement, under which 600 returned men had already been placed upon the land. Ev«ry help and advice in securing suitable sections were given to intending soldier settlers, and so far the number of failures had been very few. Reterrin<r to tho war, the Prime Minister said he was sorry that at present there was no sign of the end. No one could foretell, but it was almost certain that we were on the eve of serious developments on the .Western front. It was there that the final battle of the war would be fought. There was ponding the greatest battle in the world's history, and this would dec.de who was to win the war. It might not mean the end., but it would determine whether Germany or Britain and her Allies were to have the upper hand. However long .the struggle continued, whatever sacrifices were required to win, would be provided by the people of the Empire. Tho future of our race of our civilisation, and ot the Empire was in the balance, and they had to see the war through to a decisive victory. (Loud applause.) Leaving Shannon, tlm party proceeded by road to Otaki, whrre they were met by the chairmjin and members or the Town Board. Visits were paid to tlie Maori Mission Church, famous for its carvings and intorior decorative work, and to the sanatorium and hos■"tlio party returned to Wellington later in tho oven ing, aflor a strenuous and interesting day's travel.