THE PRIME MINISTER.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 November 1919, Page 5

THE PRIME MINISTER.

A VISIT TO CHRISTCHURCH. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Nov. 25. Mr. Massey arrived in Christchurch this morning and received a large deputation from the Progress League concerning Canterbury affairs. He stated that the Government desired the speedy completion of the Otira Tunnel ana would do everything possible in that direction. The new railway time-table was in preparation and would give considerable improvements in the Canterbury services. Work on the South Island Main Trunk would be proceeded with. The difficulty was that there was not sufficient labor in the Dominion to carry on the public works that ought to be proceeded with energetically. Regarding the proposal to hold a New Zealand Exhibition in Christchurch, he expressed the approval of the Government toward it. He hoped it would be a great success and that the Government would be able to assist. He could not commit the Government to make it a State enterprise. A Minister of Commerce was to be appointed and he believed there should be a separate Department of Commerce. The little unrest apparent a few months ago was, rapidly disappearing, and if the present spirit of the people continued, there would be little difficulty in meeting the country's liabilities and maintaining prosperity. Mr. Massey left by the express for Temuka, where he speaks to-night.