THE MINISTERIAL VISIT

Hokitika Guardian, 17 February 1921, Page 4

THE MINISTERIAL VISIT

RECEPTION AT TOWN HALL. ADDRESS BY MR MASSEY. A SPLENDID RECEPTIOON. I There was a very large and euthusf iastic gathering at the Town Hall last ! evening it being crowded with a very representative attendance of ladies and gentlemen when a public reception was j tendered to the lit Hon W. I*. Massey. The Mayor (Mr 0. A. Perry) presided and in addition to the Prime Minister, i the Hons H. L. Michel and J. Grimmond, Mr T. E. A . Seddon and Mr J. A. Murdoch (County Chairman), and Messrs Henderson and Climie (Prcsii dent and Secretary of the Canterbury ! Progress League), had seats on the platform. Mr Massey had a splendid reception entering the hall, * and [ throughout his address he was repeat- ' cd*applauded and was accorded an ovation at the conclusion of his excellent

address. j Mr Perry said that they were favoured with a visit that evening from the Prime Minister and he was sure they would accord him a warm welcome. During the past five or six years his Government had carried on ably in • spite of many difficulties that had arisen during the period of stress and war. lie extended a very hearty welcome to Mr Massey. Before asking Mr Massey to speak he would ask Mr Seddon to say a few words, (applause).

Mr T. E. Y. Seddon M.P., said In

j desired to extend to Mr Massey, ■5 | hearty welcome to this portion* of tli j Westland electorate, as head of the Pa linment of this country. He welcome j Mr Massey, as a political opponent, bu also as a warm personal friend. M ! Massey was going home, and he di t not know what he was going home for I hut he was sure that lie would ahlv re I present New Zealand in that Imperial istic spirit which the people of Ncv Zealand stood so sturdily for. Soutl Africa was declaring itself a young mi tion, likewise Canada, hut he was sun that as far as New Zealand was eon ( corned they were ready to stand true tr . the Empire as of old. He felt that the j allegiance of New Zealand was as strong ns ever it was and that it will hr strong to the end. The people and interests were so knit together with the Empire, that we recognised that we were one. Tf it was an army that was required we could he ready again as in the past. Out here we might have our own squabbles, but when it came to defending the Empire they were all of one mind and Mr Massey would he aide to speak for a united people. As member for the district he welcomed Mr j Massey to Westland and trusted his | visit would lie a very happy one. There was one or two matters lie wished to refer to. First: the magic touch of an electrical scheme. They wanted the Government to push that oil ns fast as possible, and ho thought with the assitance of Mr Coates, the work would he pushed on as quickly as possible. Last session important legislation had been put on the statute book. The people were very anxious to know what the Government were going to do as tains the forestry legislation was concerned. It was a matter of vital interest to the district. That day Mr Massey had travelled over the Otira. (Jorge. He hoped that he would soon he able to come through the Otira tunnel. He regretted that Mrs and Miss Massey had been unable to accompany Mr Massey on this occasion, but trusted they would do so on a future occasion. He trusted the visit ivould be an enjoyable one, and that Mr Massey would go away with the very happiest of pecolleetins. (Applause). Hon Mr Massey on'rising was received very heartily. He said lie wanted to thank the Mayor and Mr Soddbn for the hearty welcome extended to him. [le apologised for coming in late, hut he had gone to see the Diggers who were giving an entertainment in another hall. He recognised that they | could not do too much for the men who i had represented them at the front, hero |or elsewhere. Mr Seddon had referred to the fact that Mrs Massey was unable to accompany him. Unfortunately she j was not in the best, of health. How- ! ever this was not the last trip lie would !he making to the West Coast, (applause), and he trusted they would he able to acompany him when next he

came. For a long time past he had been looking forward to a trip to the AVest Coast. It was nearly seven years since he had made a visit. Let, him say there was no part of the country where lie had a heartier welcome than on tho West Coast. He had ipade three trips to the Home Country since then, finishI ing up with the historic peace conference. If there was one thing he was more proml of than any other it was that he had the opportunity at that historic gathering to sign that document on behalf fo tho people of New Zealand. Afr Massey then gave a J couple of amusing anecdotes of his ex- ) j ericuce in the homeland. He wanted to congratulate the people oil the AVest Coast on the probability that their isolation will soon be a thing of the past. He had been advised that

within a year the rails will be laid through the Otira tunnel. He thought that it was going to Do the best thing that had happened to the West Coast and would bring back to it increased prosperity. Once the tunnel was opened all coal for the West Coast would go by rail and also the timber, of which the West Coast had the largest proportion in New Zealand. Then there was the dairy produce. The West Coast had a lot of fine dairy country, which would improve as soon ns the railway was open. The Government would not delay the opening of the tunnel a day more than they can help. He hoped it would he soon, as he wanted to he If ere when it was opened. Dealing with the dairy industry Mr Massey stated that the increase of butter for the six months of this year since Ist August as against last year was £4,136,938 and of cheese £1,244,681 a total of these two commodities of £5,381,629. Tho value of wool this year would fie six millions less than any of the last five years. Another item lamb is bringing more money. Mutton will be a littlo less. Taking all the products generally he did not think there would be much of a reduction. He felt that a grave and great responsibility lay in the heads of the Govern- i

ment watching the finances of the country. There was a great difference in practicising economy and a policy of retrenchment. If retrenchment becomes necessary the first to be cut down would be the- salaries of Ministers.

He happened to be Minister of Mines. If the man at tho head of the Ministry wants to get all the knowledge of the departments, then he had to take over the Department himself if he wanted to get a grip of the position. Ho was impressed witli the importance ol mining. No one could make him believe that all the gold had been won from the hills of New Zealand. On the West Coast at present they were subsidising-. 27 parties prospecting for gold and lie wished them success. During tho last 10 years they had expended £184,571 in prospecting and other expenses. The export of gold in 1020 was £883,048 and that of gold and silver combined £980,000. Assistance had also been given by way of subsidies on water races, a remission of 30 per cent, having been made on water supplied.

It had been his business to choose the different Ministers since 1912. He was proud of the way they had turned out and the way they had worked. He did not think any one could say that Mr Guthrie and Mr Contes bad not been a success. Then there was Mr Parr, as Minister of Education. Mr Nosworthy as .Minister of Agriculture, Sir Heaton Rhodes as Minister of Defence, Mr Lee as Minister of Justice, a front rank lawyer and lastly, Sir E. Bell, who would take bis place as Prime Minister and Leader of th<> Government if lie went home. He was now able to make public the message lie had received from the IJon, Lloyd George. It was as follows:

Copy of telegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to his Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand.

‘■J shall be obliged if your Excellency will convey to Mr Massey the following message for him from Mr Lloyd George, Prime Minister.

“I earnestly trust that it will he possible for you to come to England for the Conference next June. 1 consider that the Conference will have to discuss and decide questions of vital importance to the future of the Empire, especially to policy in regard to defence, foreign policy, and other very important questions. 1 feel that it would be a great calamity if we were deprived of your experience and advice, (signed) Milner.” Continuing, Mr Massey said be bad submitted the message to his colleagues and they had said as you had said Go. The first thing for him to do was to convene Paijjnment, and if they said go, he would go and do his best for the Empire and New Zealand. He hoped when lie came hack at the end if five months or so they he would he ihie to point to the good work that lad been done. Mr Lloyd George reels in liis message to the important

matters that will come up. One of the things that must come up was in relation of the different sections of the Empire to the Empire. That was one matter of great importance. Think for yourselves. Suppose we cut the painter and got out. What country would, lose by it. Tt would not ho the United Kingdom. We should lie at the mercy of any country stronger than ourselves, who desired to take an advantage of our weakness. The advantage is with tin* Dominion. He was in favor of a great Empire and was going to stand for a great United Empire all the time. Sentiment saw ns through the Great War and we have to look forward to the upholding of those ties, of sentiment. ]f there was a possibility of -a strengthening of the ties of Empire then it was for us to do our utmost to add to their strength. It would be a mistake to think that the setting uj) of the League of Nations was going to do away with war. It may make wars less" frequent, hut it will not stop it altogether. How were they going to prevent it if they did not

have tho power of armies and navies behind them. He did not believe the world had seen the end of the war. A\ T e would bo doing wrong if we did not do all we possibly could to maintain ! the supremacy of the British Navy. AW ; should not allow the burden of the I Navy to rest on the British people alone. Air Massey proceeded to refer to the results of his observations during 1 the past few weeks in travelling through New Zealand. He was eon- J vineed that the crops would be very sa- j tisfactory and he lin'd conic to the opin- | ion that New Zealand was never so prosperous as it was at the present ' time. He had been asked why the taxation had not been reduced. Nothing would give him greater pleasure than j

to reduce taxation, if it were possible, but lie pointed out that until the actual figures were available at the end of March he would be unable to decide if it were possible. They had to find over twelve millions for pensions and other requirements, that they had not to find before the war. He hoped to he able on the 31st March to reduce 'the lannises on wheat and butter; if not altogether then to some extent. Referring to Customs duties lie said if Taxation was not reduced it would not he the ;

fault of the Finance Minister. He suggested the possibility of taking the . duty off tea of 3d per lb and the doing away of the primage duty of 1 per 1 cent, if it wore at all possible. Talking hydro-electricity he said the people of the West Coast were going in the future to have it in every house. It was a very expensive undertaking, hut it would come in time. Referring to soldier settlement he said they had kept their promises to. find land or homes for their soldiers, and with loans for soldiers, loans for furni- I tore, tools, training and sustenance. I they had found a, total of £24,744,000. Tn Canterbury there was not 1 per cent, of arrears due on soldiers’ settle- ' ments which they would agree was highly satisfactory. Referring to Samoa, lie said they j took it because our troops had secured it, but they had held on to it because *; for the last 21 years they had recognis- i ed the danger it would be to New Zealand if ft were held by an enemy. He j intended to go to. Samoa as soon as lie , was able. They had taken up Samoa as a duty to the Empire. If they had not had Germans in Samoa it would not <] have eost New Zealand as much as it a bad done. They lost 21 ships in this P

vicinity. He did not think they would be doing their duty not to protect the Empire from future dangers.

They had had a lot of talk about tho protection of the Coast of New Zealand. It was only a short time ago that they had some trouble in Fiji, and all they had was the Tutanekai. When the war broke out they called for volunteers, and they got them. If he lived for 1500 years ho would never forget the splendid response made. He referred to the sending away of the various reinforcements. They had 10,000 men aboard ships at Wellington and Auckland. Tho Auckland men had started when the warning came that the Pacific was dangerous and they were recalled. But it was not till an escort was provided lie refused to allow the troops to sail. It had been a great relief to him to see the British and Japanese warships arrive to escort their troopships. That tho danger was an active one was instanced by the fact that later when these troops were proceeding the Sydney, which had then joined up had destroyed the German raider, the Emden. Concluding Mr Massey thanked them for their kind reception and of having given him an opportunity of referring to a number of matters in which he was deeply interested. (Loud and continued applause).

VOTE OF THANKS. Mr J. A. Murdoch moved that- a very hearty vote of thanks be accorded the 111 Hon Mr Massey for bis very able, instructive and intelligent address that he was good enough to deliver in Hokitika that evening. Mr Murdoch said in Mr Masscv New Zealand had the man who should go to England as the representative of New Zealand. He hoped the Prime -Minister would leave New Zealand carrying with him tile knowledge that the |>eople were of the opinion that he and no oilier should represent New Zealand at the Conference. Mr Massey’s speech that evening had gladdened the hearts of his hearers by 11is references to Otira tunnel and the mining industry. It was -his privilege and duty as Chairman of the Westland County Council to endorse the welcome of the Mayor.of Hokitika to the district.

Mr It. Wild (iCliairman of the Progress League) seconded the motion. Mr Massey was a statesman they were proud of, and lie trusted that they would he able to make him proud of them imperially. The motion was carried by acclamation in the heartiest of manner.

Mr Massey thanked them for their very hearty reception and approbation, and moved a vote of the thanks to the 'Mayor for presiding. This was carried by acclamation and a very successful meeting was brought to a conclusion with the singing of the National Anthem.

DEPUTATIONS. I ; THURSDAY, FEB. 17th. I The Hon W. F. Massey met deputations at the County Council Office this morning at 10.30 o’clock. Mr Murdoch (County Chairman), opened proceedings by welcoming the Prime -Minister to the Council table, expressing his pleasure at having him in the chair that had been occupied on former occasions by another Prime Minister, who had previously also been Chairman of the Council. I TIMBER ROYALTIES. | Mr Murdoch referred to this subject a burning question with the Council, stating they were not getting the rents and royalties that they were entitled tn by statute. He referred to the rents attached to the reservations of sawmill licenses. They contended these were payable to the Council, but the Lands Department held that they were not payable to the Council. The sum involved was a very considerable one. i Air said the question first arose when Sir E. Bell came down and enuciated 'the forestry policy. He had stated that the matter would he looked into, hut nothing had yet been done. When the Forestry Legislation came up for -consideration by Cabinet, this matter should be considered, and tho local bodies’ claims should be met fairly. The question of timber royalties had already been brought prominently before the Minister. Mr Massey said this was not by any means a new subject. There was a difference of opinion about it ami it had been complicated by the appointment of the new forestry department. He would promise to have it looked into and .if there was money due he would see that it was paid. Air Murdoch asked when a new bill was drafted, that a copy he sent down for consideration by the local bodies. Air Ala.ssey said they could obtain copies through their member. GREYMOUTH HARBOUR AREA. Mr Seddon referred to the above

! stating this question was somewhat j sub-judice at present. They were awaiting the result of the finding of | the Commission that had recently enquired into the subject. They would like to have the report made public as soon as possible. 1 Mr Massey said lie would be glad to hurry .it oil and let them know the finding as soon as possible. Mr Alurdoch said there were two matters he wished to draw his attention to in connection with the recent enquiry'. They had desired that the Commission enquire into the past proceedings of tho Board, hut the Commission declined to do so. AA'e contend that if the Greymouth Haibor Board

had fulfilled the functions given by statute, the affairs of the Board would not have drifted, and wo say ns possible ratepayers we should not be penalised for such past actions. They asked that if ho- found an injustice was done to AA’estland local bodies that such bo remedied.

Mr B. Ward said the people hen tad felt indignant at the Cominksioi lot taking the evidence that they de sired to lay before them. They nskei hat in his eagerness to give a fail leal, that right shall be meted out tf cliich they were entitled to. Mr Massey sai dho did not know tin esult of tlu r Commission’s enquiry. H< ad no knowledge of the. reasons of the ,‘ominission’ refusal to take evidence, ifter getting the report of the Conilission he would consider what steps ould ho taken. MINING MATTERS. Mr Seddon said the next question salt with mining matters and relief to luvial gold miners in regard to the nbargo on gold export during the war

period. Mr Seddon said miners had made no demur and had carried on during the war period. They thought that something should be done to meet the miners. If they had been able to send the gold away they would have received a substantial increase in the price. The matter had previously been fully threshed out and pie asked for relief to be given if it were possible. Air A. O’fialloran, Rimu, appealed on behalf of the gold-miners who thought they had suffered an injustice through the embargo. They claimed that they should get some compensation for tho gold sold during the wai period.

Mr Massey said that it meant paying through the Consolidated fund. It was not the Government who bad benefited b,v the sale. Gold and silver were royal metals. The Imperial Government had ordered that gold should not he allowed to be exported. He was informed that Australia never received more than £5 per ounce during the war period. He had agreed in Dunedin that members representing gold districts and himself confer in AVellington. Air Seddon said there had been a hardship to the individual miners. Air Massey said lie had not heard my thing about this till near the end of ilu> war and then at his request the Banks had agreed to staid gold hom P for sale.

Hon. FT. L. Michel said a public: notification that the embargo on the export of gold had been lifted some 15 months ago. He thought the miners bad a special grievance. The products were commandeered at the enhanced market price, while gold was commandeered at the pre-war price. This was the cause of the deep seated grievance that prevailed among the miners, as it seemed they were the only class in New Zealand who had to accept the pre-war price for their product. Afr Arthur Clifton Rimu, supported ihe claim. The miners thought they laid a grievance and (hoy-asked for support, of Government.

Air Alassey said the Government had not benefited by one farthing by the sale of gold. Mr Clifton said they were not asking for any assistance after the embargo was lifted. It had meant that the extra cost of requirements of mining had increased, while gold was kept at its original price. They appealed for consideration of some slight recognition.

Air H. A. Baucke, Rimu, said that the one who placed the embargo on the gold was the one to give them jus-

Mr M assoy—Who was that. Air Baucke—The hardship was placed on the .miner. Mr R. AA ikl (Chairman of Progress League) said they considered this quesLidn should have their support. The .fold position was aggravated by the exchange difficulty. What the League : bought would be a reasonable tiling 'as to have the Alines Department to ’Tiquiro as to the making of a grant u alluvial miners, say up to If)/- per unco.

G. I.inklater, Stafford, suppoit- < ;1 the claims of the miners. .Mr Murdoch said under the old system a miner could take out a right and claims for 16,'-. When the miners lipjit was reduced to 5/- but bv increasing the fees it then cost 60/6 to take up the same rights. Mr Massey said lie wanted to clear the matter up as far as he could. He dmitted that the gold miners had a grievance. First of all the price of gold is fixed by Statute by the Imperial Government. During the war period there was a strong agitatior to increase the juice ot gold. How to remedy the grievance was another question. The farmers received no subsidy, hi order to keep down the cost of living the government paid part of the nlarket value to the producer so as to keep down the price to the consumer. Ho did not know how to remedy the grievance. [f anything was done it would have to come out of the Consolidated Fund and would mean at least a million pounds that is at 25%. It was impossible at the present time to put another million on to the expenses without further taxation, and the country was at vresent staggering under its taxation. 11 lie was unable to reduce taxation after 31st. March, it would add to the pinch that was coming, but if he was able to reduce, it to some small extent, it would assist to meet the stringency! Me was quite prepared to go fully into tho matter and if he could find a solution he would be glad to do so but at present lie did not see a solution of the trouble. He would bo glad to give the Mouse- through a, committee an opportunity of finding a solution of the epics-

lion. SAW.MJ LEERS’ DEPUTATION. •Ur Seddon urged additional siding iceonunodation at Hokitika for sawmill,,K - Hl> outlined what had taken place ii a previous deputation at Wellington. •Ur W. Boyd (Riniu) supported. .’Ur '• Stuart-said there were lo or 10 mills cqmring stacking accommodation,

"Inlo at present there was only room lor three or four. Mr It. Whiley supported, pointing out the serious difficulties that had arisen and stated it would not be a very *>'« job to lay a loop line up the Quay where there would be plenty of accommodation. -Mr Massey said he would see that something was done. ALIjUVIAL PROSPECTING. Mr H. A. Raucke urged more atten-. tion to prospecting operations, asking

icr- tlio ‘regulation subsidy to be doubled. ■Mi- Massey said at present there were prospecting parties in this district. M hat Mr Bnucke said was quite, correct as to the increase. He would look

into it and let them know later. CHAMBER, of commerce. -V 1 M • J- Rutler (Cliairman of Westland Chamber of Commerce) read an ai tide on the taxation of Companies. •Mr Massey said it was evident Mr Butler had given much thought to the matter. He had also given much consideration to tlie subject also. It was a very difficult question. He knew there were anomalies but it was impos- 1 sible to find the enormous amount of money that was required by any other ' means. They could not reduce taxation till the cost of living came down. He could not promise definitely when a reduction would be made.

AH' Butler said what lie stressed was not a reduction of taxation, but an alteration in the manner of taxation. A HEREPO REQUEST. -Mr Seddon at the request of Mr AAL

St George, Secretary Dairy Factory, ' asked the Prime Minister to arrange for better export facilities for isolated dairy factories, such ns Inter-Wanga-nui, sending cheese to the Old Country, j Unlike factories alongside railways ; which can send their product away daily, Inter-Wanganui can send only once a week, and it takes about a fortnight for the cheese to reach the cool stores at Wellington. The rush of cheese from other centres absorbs the shipping space ahead of the Westland factories, with the result that the November and December cheese sent from here will not be embarked till the end of March. This delay operates adversely also in regard to payments, and in some cases owing to the time in reaching cool storage, affects the grading. The south settlers would theiefore like some eqtiitable consideration in regard to a fairer preference in shipping, and to assist in that direction also would like to see provision for a greater volume of shipping space, so that more cheese could be got away more quickly, and the isolated factories would in that event not have to wait so long a period for their opportunity to ship. Mr Massey promised to give consideration. Mr J. Ritchie referred to South Westland needs, including the bridging of the WailiO’ river, and the construction of the Urine Hay landing. Mr Ma ssey said be was disappninte 1 at not being able to go south. The de,velopment of South Westland would not ho forgotten. The highest rate of Government expenditure takes place in Westland. He hoped to see much progress'made in the district. Mr Saddon returned thanks on behalf of the various deputations, which 'Mr Massey briefly acknowledged. On Mr Murdoch’s motion a vote of thanks was passed to Mr Seddon In . acclamation and the proceedings terminated. MR MASSEY HEAVES. Mr M a ssey and party left town by car at 1.30 p.m. for Grcymouth.