POLITICAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 9, 29 May 1914, Page 5

POLITICAL.

MINISTER OF FINANCE AT ' LAWRENCE. ] NAVAL- PROPOSALS NOT PRESSED. ; By Telegraph—Press Association. Lawrence, Last Nigli(t. Hon. James Allen addressed a meeting of litis constituents here this evening. Be pointed out that the, surplus for the year, amounting to £420,905, did not include the cash derived from sailes and from deferred payment gales. All the cash fnom sales of hind had been credited to the Ilrnd fern Settlement account, rtttic gain being over £135,000. The public would thus w<B how much stronger this acc.vun>t » than it had evor been before. There had been an all-round increase in pension* of £32,000. As for thoso people who cried out about tliie defence ex.pcndlitu.re, he waß sure they would be pleased rto know Uliere Itad been a dtocroasc- in the expenditure K)f £16,698. The Government had done several things to make the burden of living easier for those who found tMemselvcs in difficulties. For instance, provision lihd ibec-n niaxlo to give it-he Ijand Tax Commissioner power to grant remission from land tax tto widows with efciMren. Provision had also been made in regard to the income tax for an additional exemption of £25 fcr each child dependent on a parent. Taxation on flax lands was amended. These reforms should reduce the cost of living to some people, at any rate. The public should not place too much importance on 'the reduction of Customs duty as a means of reducing the cost of living. This was very largely an electioneering cry.' On the question of defence, the Minister said the Government's policy was to train men for the British Navy, and nothing else at the present time. Mr. Massey had said he proposed to ask Parliament to supply one cruiser at a tost of from £400,0000 to £500,00!). but lie had no doubt Mr. Massey would not press that question this session, as a conference was to be called in London next year. A vote- of thanks, and confidence was carricd unanimously. THE MIOMBEIt FOR NELSON'. Ohristchurch, Lust Night. Mr. 11'. Atmore. M.P.. addressed a largely attended meeting to-night in support of the Liberal campaign.' He was accorded a vote of thank. 1 -'.and confidence, an amendment of ihauks only, proposed by a Social Democrat, being rejected. THE PREMIER AT r.ALt'U'THA. lialclut'ha. Last Night. The Prime Minister addressed a crowded meeting' at Ralcluvha to-nigh', and was accorded a very cordial welcome and a patient hearing. Mr. Massee broke no new ground in (lie course of'his vcin-.irks. He re<e ; vcd a vote of. I vied 'with slight dissent.