THE DOMINION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9563, 9 August 1909, Page 5

THE DOMINION.

FINANCIAL AND POLITICAL POSITION. HON. T. MACKENZIE INTERVIEWED. By Telegraph—Press Association; PALMERSTON N, August 7. The Hon T. Mackenzie passed through here to-day on his way to the Momahaki Experimental Farm He was seen by a reporter regarding (he financial and political position of the Dominion. -Regarding the financial position Mr Mackenzie said the exports for the half-year ending June 30th, 1908, were £10,053,470, and the imports for the same period £8,292,948, showing an excess of exports over imports of £1,760,522. The exports fo the half-year ending June 30th, ]909, amounted to £12,292.444. and the impots to £6,783,882, the excess of exports over imports being £5,508.562. These figures constitute a record, the previous best increase being £3,689,310 in 1906 for the whole year. The money market, which had suffered from vai i( us causes was now reliaved, and alraady inoney at reduced rates was available for all sound investments. Despite the actions of some to decry the Government he could say unhesitatingly that never before in the history of the Dominion had a firmer grasp been exercised by the administration on the finances or keener scrutiny on the expenditure. Thiß was causing considerable unpopularity in soma districts. Some said that so much public money had been sf.ent that the Dominion could not stand sound economy, and lhat a middle party was forming who would work ofE one party againnt another,, and in their words "secure a share of the plums." Given sound economic Oasis, and a Government devoting itself with singleness of purpose to the, welfare oc the Doninion on practical commonsense lines there was no fear lor the future. It was hoped that the fruit-growing industry would increase, and that the flax trade would improve. There were great pruspects in the North of development in land settlement. Cei reals would bulk largely in the exports and if only fewer would flock to the cities we would see great results. The recent depression had done no permanent harm, and made people realise that? there must be a limit to public and private expendi ture and more self-reliance.