DIVIDING THE REPARATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 August 1921, Page 4

DIVIDING THE REPARATIONS.

It is matter for surprise that Mr. Massey has kept silent with regard to New Zealand’s share of Germany’s reparations’ indemnify- The extensive use he has made of the publicity member of his staff in transmitting cablegrams containing flattering notices of . the Premier’s sayings and doings, justified the expectation that some mention would have been made relative to the Dominion’s share of the total to be paid by Germany, yet hitherto the exact amount has not been notified by Mr. Massey, nor have any reasons been given as to how the proportions were fixed. A week or two back a Press cable gave certain figures, but mentioned no sum for New Zealand, and it was a matter of speculation whether or not the Dominion’s share had been included with that of Australia. Since then the official report of the Conference threw more light on the matter. It now seems that Germany lias accepted a liability for £13,500,000,000, to be spread over forty-two years, the Empire’s present share of whieh is estimated at £1,452,000,00, Canada and Australia each being allocated 4.35 per cent. ( £63,162,000), while New Zealand obtains 1.75 per cent. ( £25,410,000). This may or may not be accurate, for it is double that which Mr. Massey expected. It is improbable that any of this sum will be forthcoming for some years, though when it arrives it will certainly be welcome. It is well to know how much the Dominion is to receive, even though its payment rests with the future. The distribution adopted by the Imperial Conference appears to be as

follows: — Per cent. Total. United Kingdom 8G.S5 £1,261,062,000 n a d * i 4.35 03.162,000 4.35 63.162.000 New Zealand 1.75 25,410.000 1.20 17.424,000 South Africa . .1 0.60 8,712,000 Newfoundland .. 0.10 1,452,000 Minor Colonies •. 0.80 11,616,000 Totals 100 £1,452,000,000