VICTORIAN MINISTER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 57, 8 March 1932, Page 5

VICTORIAN MINISTER.

HON. J. P. JONES ARRIVES,

VIEWS ON CTIBRENT PROBLEMS. TRANSPORT AND UNEMPLOYMENT. "The more we are together the happier we'll be," said the Hon. J. P. Jories on board the Aorangi this morning. Mr. Jones is Commissioner of Public Works, Minister of Mines, Minister of Migration and acting-Treasurer in the Victorian Government. He suggested in the course of an interview that there should be more frequent visits between representatives of the Government of the various States of the Commonwealth and Nfew ZeAland.

"We are all tlie one people," said Mr. Jones. "Our problems are the same and so are our difficulties; and it would be in the interests of both countries if views were more frequently interchanged. You liave your transport i problem; so have we. I am vitally interested in this question and coming across read with considerable interest the report of the Transport Department presented to your Minister of Public Works. It is one of the most informative documents I have come across." 45,000 Unemployed. Spfeakiiig of unemployment the Minister said that he desired to see for himself what New Zealand was doing. In Victoria, with a population of under 2,000,000, the registered unemployed numbered approximately 45,000. Special taxation was levied oil wages and incomes and sustenance was paidr There were no money grants, assistance being given by way of food tickets. Rents were not paid; that side of the problem had not been considered so far.

Mr. Jones said lie was interested in reading problems and was anxious to observe our methods and see what had been achieved in the Dominion. He was also interested in the milk problem as it affected domestic supply, and intended to make some inquiries into the munibipal system in Wellington. Referring to the Premiers' Plan, Mr. •Tones said Victoria had lived up to the Plan and had even exceeded it—that was more than any other State could claim. The Plan resulted from a resolution lie ha<i moved in conference advising budgetary equilibrium. I Mr. Jones, whose visit is unofficial, is accompanied by his daughter. He will be the guest of Mr. H. J. Bray, of Remuera, during his stay in Auckland.