PRIME MINISTER ON TOUR

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 59, 3 December 1919, Page 8

PRIME MINISTER ON TOUR

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTIONS CHARGES OF LAND AGGREGATION

'By Tdegraph.—Special Correspondent. Kui'ow, December 2. Thu Prime Minister left Yvaimato jvaterduy r\orning nnd motored through the Stewart Settlement to Duntroon, where he addressed a public meeting in the Drill Hall. Despite tha inclement and wintry weather, the hall was filled.

In the course of an hour and a half's c.ddress Mr. Massey reviewed the political position at present existing in tho Dominion, and emphasised the danger of the revolutionary Labour Party holding the balance of power as a result of the forthcoming elections. Dealing with the question of the commandeer of Ne\« Zealand produce by the Imperial Government he stated that the present meat requisition would expire on June 30. 1920. Although the Imperial authorities had {intimated their willingness to consider probably a three months' extension, no definite decision' on their part had been arrived at, and lie was not 6anguine that r. further extension would be agreed to, although lie thought that an extension of one year might be desirable in the best interests of the Dominion. In regard to wool, practically a quantity equal to the whole of . las f season's clip was still in the Dominion,. New Zealand producers, by an arrangement arrived at with the Imperial Government, would receive half the profits on all wool which, not being required for military purposes, was nlaced on the open market by the British Government. Owing to the lack ■of shipping facilities and the lame amount of wool belonging to the Imperial authorities remaining in New Zealand, it ■ was not yet possible to ascertain what the sum coming to the producers in New Zealand under this arrangement would • amount to, but he had reason for thinking there would 'be a considerable sum available later on for distribution among our producers. To enable the Dominion to meet its war liabilities there was an urgent demand for national industries, maximum production, and economical administration. Regarding the taxation rendered necessary owing to the war. Mr. Massey stated that Telief would be afforded at the earliest possible opportunity, and he thought, the financial position, provided production was maintained, would have sufficiently improved to enable proposals to be submitted next year in this direction.

- Mr. Massey refuted nt somo length the charge that had been made regarding alleged _ land aggregation. The fact was that in regard lo the increased numbers of large holdings, this increase liad been due to the fact that many large runs, the leases of which had fallen in, had been subdivided, notably in' the case of Benmore and Omarama, and the increases liad not 'been due to aggregation as alleged by hostile critics, but to subdivision. In dealing with the subject of the American Meat Trust menace, he stated that he thought the trust would be effectually blocked from operating in New Zealand, but he was afraid that its ramifications had already extended to the English market. He looked forward to the time when New Zealand Would have an improved tteam -service, both, passenger and cargo, through tlie Panama Canal to tho United Kingdom in 30 days. Dealing with immigiiition; Mr. Massey stated that after our soldiers had been repatriated ami provided for, a. sound and vigorous policy should bo adopted to encourage Jiritibh-born immigrants, loyal and physically fit, to come to the Dominion. Other questions dealt with included naval defence and the-necessity for encouraging the growing of sufficient wheat in the Dominion to meet our own requirements. He proposed to call together a representative conference of tlic.se interested in the wheat-growing industry to consider how best this could bb 'accomplished, whether by fixing a minimum price, by way of a subsidy of so much per acre, or by the Government taking over the whole output at a fixed price.

A vote of thanks and confidence was curried unanimous!)', and enthusiastic checrs were accorded to the Prime Min•ister at the conclusion of the meeting. Mr. Mnssey afterwards proceeded to Kurow, where he addressed in the evening an 'overflowing 'audience. The inflating was one of the largest and most enthusiastic held in the township. At the -conclusion of a vigorous address a vote of thanks and confidence in Mr. Massey's administration was carried with acclamation.

The Time Minister will travel to Oamnru tomorrow, where he delivers a pubiic address in the evening.