THE DOMINION'S AFFAIRS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 203, 22 May 1920, Page 6

THE DOMINION'S AFFAIRS

PRIME MINISTER INTERVIEWED.

B> Telegraph-Press Association. Chrlstchurch, May 2). '• Iu tho course of an interview to-day Mr. Massey was asked if he could give tho revnuuo and expenditure for the last, financial year. He replied that tho jast quarter's figures would be available in a feV days, but ho could not give them at present. _ The portfolios of 'Defence, Public Works, and Post' and' Telegraphs were tho subject of another question. AJ present they are held by Mr, Coates.i Mr. Massey was asked whether it wa» ; proposed to divide them. He replied that Defence was not heavy at present, although thero\would be a lot of work in it when tho Government proposals: wero submitted to Parliament. Tho: defence question must be settled. Post' and Telegraphs was not heavy. Mr.' Coates would continue as Minister of Public Works. There was no question alwitthat. The effect of the shortage of pubho funds upon Innd settlement was also discussed. Mr. Massey was emphatio' th.it there had been no stoppage "of sol-' diers' settlement, but he said that it had been quite impossible to keep up the pace.at which the Government had been travelling for the last six months, neither was it desirable.'' The Department would go on .'as. usual, and he had no doubt that what it was doing, or contemplated doing (and he knew all about the funds) would be satisfactory to returned soldiers. ■ Over 14,000 men had been provided with homes in' town and country. It was a wonderful record, for when he took-it in hand in tin first instance he did not expect 5009 applicants.' The Government had a huge area in hand now, land which had been purchased and belonged' to tho Crown, and some of it would be available for ordinary settlement.

"Is there any prospect of continuing the commandeer?" Mr. Massey wis asked. ■ "Very little," he replied, but. • I cannot be certain. I have not been able to get a tlefiiiitn reply, up to the present from the Imperial authorities, but, judging by what is taking place in England,. an extension of, the commandee.- is unlikely, except..with the object of avoiding the confusion of having Imperial and Dominion-owned meat' .in. cold stores nt the one time. Something might be done in that way, audi have not yet given up hope. Don't imagino I expect anything in the way of a slump, but I'do.say we have got to be careful and make the most of the position." •