POLICY SPEECH

Taranaki Daily News, 17 March 1922, Page 5

POLICY SPEECH

PREMIER REVIEWS POSITION. BETTER. PRICES FOR MEAT. RAILWAY IMPROVEMENT. REDUCTION OF TAXATION. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Fairlie, Last Night. The Prime Minister arrived at Fairlie this evening and was entertained by the McKenzie County Council at an informal dinner. Afterwards he addressed a public meeting, the county chairman presiding, and he met with a cordial reception. Mr. Massey dealt with matters touching the country’s interests, leaving party politics alone. Referring to the meat pool, the Premier outlined the scheme, and said it had become necessary to promote an organisation to cope with the exploitation of meat on the meat markets at Home. He did not claim that the whole credit foi the recent rise was due to the pool, but he quoted figures showing that there was an increase of over 50 per cent, in both mutton and lamb since the proposals were mooted, representing a total of £2,500,000. Freights, freezing charges and storage in London had also been reduced. Mr. Massey did not think the board would get in operation this season, but would be ready for next season. It ■was not proposed to form a “corner’ for exploiting the public at'Home; on the contrary, the Government was trying to prevent the producers here -from being exploited. The board was furnished with very large powers, and he felt the men appointed would give a good account of themselves. Regarding the slump consequent upon war, the Prime Ministei said the public debt in the war period had been increased about £lOO,OOO. „ Dealing with civil servants, Mr. Massey said they had to receive increased pay in the shape of bonuses, which amounted to £4,500,000, but now retrenchment had to take place, and it would take full effect in a year’s time. He hoped that the last half of the bonus would not have to be taken awav, but in any case civil servants would probably shortly find themselves' in as good a position as formerly, owing to the decrease in the cost of living. Mr. Massey referred at length to the wool position, and predicted a further increase in price in a short time. The financial credit of the country was good, and a loan would be raised I cfore the winter. Money was coming down in price, and he hoped to raise the loan at five per cent. Touching on railway matters, the Prime Minister acknowledged that there was much room for improvement. He admitted that freights were too high, but money had to be secured. He hoped to make reductions during the next few months and improve the working system. He urged further development in the country, and instanced forestry as one line that should be pushed. The land/must be brought under cultivation and cultivated and be made to produce more. Immigration would be encouraged, and an opportunity now presented of getting the pick of the people from the Old Country should be seized. Hydro-electricity must be further utilised.

Referring to housing, Mr. Massey said the Government scheme was not a success, as the Government buildings cost too much. The policy now was to lend money to those who wished to build; for’ every bead of a household should be encouraged to become his own landlord. Dealing with taxation, the Premier stated that taxation was too high. This was one of the causes of unemployment, and be wished to reduce taxation, as well as railway charges, as soon as possible. He justified the rebate on land and income tax, and pronounced it a distinct success. Referring to Imperial matters, Mr. Massey advocated a continuity of the conference and the right of representatives of the various portions of the Empire to a seat in the Council of State at more fre- ? quent intervals.