THE PREMIER’S TOUR.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 February 1921, Page 5

THE PREMIER’S TOUR.

VISIT TO THE WEST COAST. Pt-EA FOE MOKE COAL. PROMISE TO HELP THE MINERS. By’ Telegraph.—Press Association. Greymouth, Last Night. The Premier arrived this afternoon from Hokitika, and was met by members of local bodies. Mr. Massey received deputations in regard to local needs, and promised favorable consideration to the requests. Later Mr. Massey visited Runanga, giving satisfactory replies in regard to housing and local improvements. The miners’ deputation stressed the fact that the men were leaving because they could not get houses. There was a large crowfl in the, evening at the Town Hall at a welcome to Mr. Massey. In his speech the Premier dealt at length with the need for the solidarity of the Empire. When he went to Britain he would stand for greater Imperial unity. He spoke optimistically of the Qtira Tunnel as a factor in advancing the West Coast. He stated cases proving the success of the soldier settlement policy of the Gdvernment, and stressed the need for public and private industry and economy in the next eighteen months. A good motto would be: “Take courage and keep busy.” Mr. Massey dealt briefly with the financial position, and also the gold-mining prospects, erpressing a hope that the new dredging venture on Rimu Flat would lead to a revival of gold production on the Coast. He believed much gold was still to be got in the Coromandel Peninsula. He said the sugar position was improving. Regarding immigration, he pointed out the limitations against undesirables and foreigners, but he would welcome French people and others who would be good settlers. He paid a high tribute to the French people. \ Mr. Massey dealt with the coal position, saying the Dominion wanted more production, as the Government was* importing coal from as far as Wales, whence a shipload had left only that day to come 14,000 miles for our railways. He would do his utmost to make the miners’ conditions and wages the best possible in order to get more miners, as the country was losing £300,000 a year through having to import coal.