The Guardian. AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “The West Coast Times.” FRIDAY. FEB. 18th, 1921. THE PRIME MINISTER.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 February 1921, Page 2

The Guardian. AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “The West Coast Times.” FRIDAY. FEB. 18th, 1921. THE PRIME MINISTER.

Thu visit of Mr Massey passed off with quite u degree of marked agreonbility, The various deputations, ol course, did not come-away with their demands all complied with, Mr Massey must now be quite a past master at handling deputations. He certainly has patience, and as a student of human nature has long ago learned the art of studying character, and handling individuals accordingly. Mr Massey does not attempt to say “no” aggressively. even where he has to convey a ’negative decision. He has developed the art of temporising' in such cases, leaving the subject in the air, as it were, where it is to have the promise of further consideration. That is the nearest the expert Minister gets to saying “no” agreeably. Mr Massey* we believe was genuinely sympathetic on different occasions, but lie frankly added that sympathy would not carry them far. He was very considerate as regards the very strong case the miners made for themselves. Air Massey recognised they ha 1 a claim —the question was upon whom that claim was to he fixed. In the absence of evidence that some person or persons could lie sajd to he the direct'beneficiaries in the purchase of gold during the war period, the opinion was advanced the Government should shoulder the responsibility. Mr Massey objected to that for that meant finding more money from the consolidated fund, which meant more taxation. If there is one thing the Prime Minister has made up his mind about, it is a, resolute resolve not to increase taxation. Ho considers

—and we believe rightly—that the country is staggering along with as great a burden of taxation as it can bear. If to compensate the. gold miners means taxation, their case is sealed, but be has promised a special investigation of the case and if there can be found a way out Mr Massey will be prepared to take it. We think this is hopeful for the reason that we believe the compensation suggested will not run into anything like the figure mentioned by Mr Massov. A much smaller sum should suffice in the aggregate, and that will be the saving feature of tjje case. Regarding taxation, it seem# evident from what was said, that Mr Massey is looking forward to being able to make some reduction in the next financial year. Ho asks for more production, and believes that with the assistance Hi is will afford in the easing of the cost of living, a corresponding reduction in taxation will he possible. What has

happened in England and America of late is an earnest of what will come to pass here. The course* of events in the greater countries will reflect themselves here a'-ross the seas, and the financial and 'trading stringency will have an adverse effect in New Zealand. The extent of that is not likely to he unduly serious. That is, the country will weather the financial storm withI out serious damage, hut if the Minister of Finance is not £oing to he able to find money readily for immediate purposes by borrowing on the Home or local markets, then so much more must ■ come out of ordinary revenues to carry on public works, and if this comes to pass relying on revenue for money to continue roads, bridges railways and hydro-electrie works etc. will mean that taxation cannot be very materially reduced. Mr Massey lias a definite* objective before him in his effort to keep down the rate of interest. He could borrow freely here or abroad if be liked to go on the open market, and pay the rate of interest which money could command in such circumstances.

Rut were he to do so, he would saddle the country with a heavy impost for the period of the loan, to pay for the mohey. Tt is wiser to with-hold works for a period to escape the higher charge which if paid, would tend to make money dearer and dearer and so penalise the public at large in business and trading pursuits, as well .as in, regard to all other enterprises. . Mr Massey in the large subjects be dealt with in his address, and also with the various deputations, showed his dose ''rip of the affairs of t.ic coun-

try. It is unfortunate that this year, the mid-year of the sitting Parliament, lie should have to be away from the country for six months. This period will be a critical time for New Zealand, and it would be much better for the sake of the Dominion if Air Massey could remain in the country, and meeting Parliament at the ordinary time of the year, carry on the Government' of the country without the enforced break which now has to take place. Mr Alassev has all the knowledge of local conditions and feelings to represent New Zealand at the Imperial Conference, and it is conceivable in the wider view of Empire partnership now envoiving, that at that Conference, certain aspects will be putforward which will require someone to speak definitely and promptly for the people of New Zealand. By right of his office, Air’Massey has the qualifications to speak for the people as a whole, and while his absence will he regretted and will be felt, bis presence at Home seems to lie indispensible also. Mr Massey must therefore go. His visit here was a pleasant one. He was able to assure his hearers of his optimistic views regarding Westland and its future. There are solid reasons for believing that Afr Massey is not over-painting the picture, and that from now right on Westland will go on continuing to increase in value and importance. It is good to have this confirmation from one who lias been looking on and taking an independent view of the district’s prospects. Air Afassev’s views should hearten the people and encourage them more and more to help themselves. If his visit has done that, it will not have been in vain. AYe believe it lias not been in vain, in that it has restarted in his busy mind a desire to help the mining industry. Altogether then, we can look back wit.i some satisfaction to the visit, and hope with a promising prospect, that much good will come out of it.