PRIME MINISTER

Hokitika Guardian, 17 March 1922, Page 1

PRIME MINISTER

SPEECH AT FAIR LIE

[by TELEGIIAPH—VER PItESS ASSOCIATION.]

FAIRLIE, March 16. The Prime Minister arrived at Fairlie tin's evening, and was entertained by the McKenzie County Council at an informal dinner. He afterwards addressed a public meeting, the County Chairman presiding, and met with a cordial reception. Mr Massey dealt with mattero touching politics alone. Referring to .the meat pool, ho outlined the scheme, which had, he said, become necessary tql promote organisation to cope with the explitation. Me Ijelieved that the meat prospects were good, and that the effect of the pool on the meat markets at Home was good. He did not claim, the whole credit for the recent rise in meat prices there, but he quoted figures showing an increase <F over 50 per cent, in both mutton and lamb, since the proposals were mooted, representing a total of two and a half millions. The freights, freezing charges, and storage charges in London had also been reduced. fie did not think that the -Meat Pool Hoard would gfct into operation this season, but it would be ready for next season. It was not proposed to form a corner for exploiting; the public at Home. On the contrary, they were trying to prevent the producers here from being exploited. The Board was clothed with very large powers, but he felt that the men who had been appointed would give a good account of themselves. Regarding the slump consequent upon the war, the Prime Minister said that the public debt in the war period had been increased by about 100 millions. He scouted the idea of the repudiation of war debts: The Civil Servants had had to receive increased pay in the shape of

bonuses, which amounted to four' and n-haTf millions. Retrenchment had to take place, and it would take full effect in a year’s time. He hoped that the last half of the bonus would not have to be taken away. In any case the Civil Servants would probably shortly find themselves in as good a position as formerly, owing to a decrease. in the cost of living. Mr Massey referred at length to the wool position. He predicted an increase in the' price of wool still' further

in aj short time. The financial credit of the country was good. A loan would be raised be-

fore the winter. Money was now coming down in price, and he hoped to vaisd a loan at 5 per cent. He referred to the land question

and reiterated his loyalty to the freehold tenure, and believed in leaseholds being turned into freeholds. He referred to the high country lands, and said the Government would assist any trier.

Touching on railway matters, the Prime Minister acknowledged that there was much room for improvement. He acknwledged that the freights were! too high, but said that money had to be secured. He hoped to make reductions in the next few months, and to improve the working of the system.

He urged the further development of the country areas, and instanced the forestry enterprise as one line

that should be pushed. The land

must be brought under cultivation, aind cultivated land must be made to produce more. He said immgjration would be encouraged, and the opportunity was now presented of • getting the pick of the people from the Old Country. It should be seized. Hydro-electricity must be fully utilised. Referring to housing, Mr Massey sjaid that the Government business 6cheme wa« not a sucoess. The Government buildings had cost too much. The policy was now to lend money to those who wished to build. Every head of a household should he encouraged to become his own landlord. Dealing with luxation, the speaker stated that the taxation .in the Dominion was too high. This was one cause for the present unemployment, and he wished to reduce the taxation, jas well as the railway charges, as 5;.,. as possible. He justified the rebate on the land and the income tax. He pronounced l it a distinct success. Air Alassey referred also to Imperial matters. The Prime Minister advofifited the continuity of the Conferences, and the right of ths representatives of the Yarious portions of (.’ Empire to a seat at the Council of State at more frequent intervals. After speaking a couple of hours, the speaker resumed his seat and amid warm applause, was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.