PRIME MINISTER’S TOUR.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 November 1922, Page 4

PRIME MINISTER’S TOUR.

BRIEF VISIT TO HOKITIKA. CORDIAL tRIBUEPTION GIVEN. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Hokitika, Last Night. Mr. Massey arrived from Nelson at G.lO to-night and addressed a crowded meeting at. the Princess Theatre at 6.35, speaking for an hour. In the course of his address Mr. Massey referred to the improved financial position, stating the revenue was increasing and the expenditure was decreasing, He looked forward optimistically to increased prices for primary products creating general prosperity throughout the Dominion. He referred to the Advances to Set. tiers Department of the State, and explained that legislation of last session gave power to grant advances against chattels. The legislation was to be brought into force immediately, as he hoped to sign the final documents bn Saturday. The Premier announced that numerous applications had already been received, indicating that the legislation would prove very useful. The Premier concluded with an appeal to support Mr. Steer, the official Reform candidate, and so assist to send the Government back with a. substantial majority to carry out the policy which had proved so successful through the past strenuous years. 'Mr. Massey received a cordial hear. iqg throughout, there being very little interruption. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried and the meeting Concluded with cheers. Mr. Massey left at 7.45 for G-reymouth. VISIT TO GREYMOUTH. ANOTHER GOOD MEETING. Greymouth, Las; Night. Mr. Massey addressed 2000 at the Opera House at 7.30 to-night, after motoring from Hokitika. He received a good hearing, and despite heckling the meeting was good humored. Mr. Massey congratulated the Coast on the removal of isolation by the Otira tunnel, and he predicted a good future for dairying and stock raising. He said the country could not work proportional representation except by big electorates, and the system would not give a sufficiently strong Government. Mr. Massey said there would be r.o January wage out unless the cost of living allowed it. The cost of living was slowly decreasing, and the Government was reducing the price of butter, wheat and flour, while sugar was lower than in any country except producing ones. He received a vote of confidence amidst acclamation.