GOVERNMENT'S WORK.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 114, 17 May 1927, Page 17

GOVERNMENT'S WORK.

leview by prime minister.

IGISLATION NEXT SESSION.

NO SURPRISES IN LIST.

SPEECH OPTIMISTIC IX TONE,

C "{By Telegraph.—Press Association.) | DARGAVILLE, Tuesday. (■'Characteristically optimistic in tone, Ihe speech given by the Prime Minister :in the Empire Theatre to-night was •devoted to such important subjects as .finance, the public debt, the export trade, ; : :and dairy control. Mr. Coates criticised .'-Xabonr's new land policy, and replied to the Opposition Leader's ''criticism of the land question. The .address was prefaced with a racy account of the work of last session and an outline of the legislation that might be oxpected during the session which is to -open at the end of June. , r The Mayor of Dargaville, Mr. F. A. .Jones, presided, and with Mr. V; Trotor.«on (chairman of Hobson County Coun,Cil) extended a welcome to the Premier And Mrs. Coates. A large assemblage in ..the theatre received the Prime Minister ■Withl applause, and a military band flayed "For They Are Jolly Good JFellows" as Mr. and Mrs. Coates took places on the platform. Election Promises Recalled. The Prime Minister expressed great pleasure in meeting such a large gathering of his constituents, and appreciation of the very kind words of welcome addressed to him. He said that at the election in 1925-the Government to the country for their confidence on a definite programme of and the electors, by their verdict f»t the polls, returned the Government to S.office with a large majority. To show jtthat our policy platform did not con Ist merely idle words, at the earliest the Government proceeded (to translate that policy into practical |€ffect, and he mentioned briefly some of measures which Parliament were {basked to pass bearing 'more directly on gth* planks of their platform. The list Hie said, would not be complete without Indention of the Land Laws Amendment KAct, under which the lands of low fertility in the North may be offered for under license to occupy free of Ifent for ten years, and of rates for four J\years, and a free title handed to the provided certain improvements ylave been effected. A block of land in 'the North Auckland district and a block rof pumice land in the South Auckland .land district would be opened shortly ' lor selection under these conditions. ; "I have made reference to some of

' the more important features of the work of last session. It will probably be of interest if I. give an indication of some of the measures which the ' <iovernment hopes to submit for the •consideration of Parliament during the forthcoming session," continued Mr. (' Coates. "It is a matter of general knowledge that a special Tariff Committee has been sitting in various parts ,of the country inquiring and taking •vidence in regard to our present system ;of Customs taxation. The report of this commission will,! hope}'ft© the Government shortly, together 1 "with its recommendations. The matter. may be regarded as subjudice at present' but' it is intended to submit a Tariff' Bill as soon as practicable in the coming session.

. Secondary Industries. "In connection with our secondary industries, I would point out that our Dominion occupies a somewhat singular position because of its being so largely .m primary producing country. A fall in the price of any of our principal products is felt not only by the farmer but las a much wider effect, thus creating * position of difficulty and hardship. One of the remedies for overcoming the dangers in this respect lies along the Toad of building up our secondary indus- ; tries, It is necessary, particularly in a (young country like ours, to have a f Customs tariff for revenue purposes and i this will be the case for many years to <; come. It will be to the general advan- ) tage of the country, in my opinion, if jWe continue to take steps to build up but securely such industries :as will help to relieve us during times - when prices for our primary products !• In the world's markets have fallen to M low and unprofitable level. 'I do not suggest for one moment that every industry should be encouraged, but careful inquiry would disclose the merits ef industrial undertakings, particularly 1 whether they were likely to have security of existence and what measure of assistance, if any, should be extended to them. The country and the town •re and will continue to be inter-depend-ent, and I hope our primary producers, en whom the community so largely depends, will, in this matter of the development of essential industries, take « broad view in the interests of the Dominion as a whole. "The Government are also conducting inquiries into the general question of the incidence of taxation, and if the investigation is sufficiently advanced proposals in this connection will be submitted. Easier Finance for Fanner. "Another question which has occupied the attention of Cabinet is that of still further enlarging the opportunity of I easier finance for the farmer. The Government will do all in its power to make the rural advances legislation of last session very successful in its working. The Aclr came into operation on April 1, this year. Any necessary amendments to give fuller effect to its provisions and generally extend its usefulness will be designed and will, I feel sure, be agreed to by Parliament. It is probable that in conformity with the • report of the Rural Credits Commission I last year proposals will be submitted ,to give effect to further recommendations of the commission. In the meantime 1 the important question of farmers' finance is under close investigation and I review. Road Maintenance. "Owing ot the great, increase in the | volume of motor traffic in the rural districts the country settler is called upon ; to bear an unduly heavy burden by way ] of rates in connection with ' the maintenance and upkeep of roads. With a view of lightening this load we hope to be in a position to suggest measures that I hope will eventually reduce the heavy demands upon ratepayers and follow the principle of asking the user £o pay for essential road improvements. "The legislative programme for next session also contemplates measures dealfag with mining, shops and offices, ,tion, fertilisers and agricultural education. I look forwardyfrith confidence, to a busy and useful session* Tt will Be found that the Government's programme, ;®f work is well advanced arid there will f.fts no cause for complaint on the score £*I*7 in submitting our measures."

Finance Condition Sound. "The period through which we are passing is admittedly difficult and proving ' embarrassing to many of our people," Mr.- Coates continued. "There are those in our midst who believe that the Government can quickly remedy all the evils, financial and otherwise. They forget, that these periods of depression *hd unrest are the result of economic disturbances world-wide in their cause and' effect. Speaking of New Zealand, may ;I say that - the solution lies in a determined effort on the part of all ot r citizens. It calls for brave hearts and a fixed determination. The main slogan should be 'increased production.' .. . The whole fabric of our community must rest on prudent finance. It must be conceded by every fair-minded person that the financial condition of the country is sound and that our national credit abroad stands at high water mark. For this satisfactory position the Government is surely entitled to some credit for its careful administration of public affairs. The Dominion has faced periods of. depression in the past and the energy and industry of her people have always enabled us to win through. The present difficult times will prove no exception to the'rule. Already the silver lining to the cloud is making itself slowly but surely visible. At euch times, when people are feeling the pinch, there is, I knpwj a tendency to blame the Government. I would, however, ask them to have patience and employ their industry and effort to the really useful purpose of greater production. A little quiet stocktaking on the part of all our people will do no harm. Indeed it will be all to the good for, by the exercise of greater thrift and economy, we shall reach the goal of prosperity the •sooner."

The following resolution was carried amid a scene of great enthusiasm at the conclusion of the address: "That this meeting thanks the Prime Minister for his able and statesmanlike address and expresses confidence in the Government of which he is the distinguished leader, and. renewed confidence in him as member for Kaipara."