MR. MASSEY AT OAMARU.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2717, 5 April 1924, Page 2

MR. MASSEY AT OAMARU.

Oamaru, Last Night

The Prime Minister broke his .journey to Dunedin at Oamaru today. Hp was accorded a civic luncheon and civic reception in the Opera House, at both of which he was enthusiastically received. Speeches were delivered bv Mr Massey at both functions on the lines of 11 re vi on s add res ses. Tn the course of an interview, he stated that the order of reference of the Taxation Commission would be as wide as possible, bill it would bo confined to direct taxation. It was lu-pcd that the Commission would report in a week’s time, and a Bill would lie brought down next session dealing with taxation. On being asked what important business would be transacted next session. Mr Massey said measures dealing with electoral reform, lieensing and gaming would he introduced and there would also be a big Consolidating Land Bill.

Tn reply to a question as to whether the latter measure would include tlie extension of the freehold to all endowment land, Mr Massey said be would not answer that question at present.

Tn regard to the decision of the British Government over the Singapore. Base he said Parliament had voted t‘loo,ooo for the purpose but it would not now be handed over. He did not propose going to the London market for a loan at present, but as soon as lie considered the market favourable, he would endeavour to raise four or five millions. He believed there was an easier tone in the money market compared with a few months ago. In reference to the moratorium which expires in December, lie stated that he could not ;il present stale whether the moratorium would definitely cease. He mentioned that farmers had waited upon him in the last day or two and stated that if the moratorium was lifted, they would be compelled to walk off their farms.