PRIME MINISTER.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15490, 18 January 1916, Page 6

PRIME MINISTER.

VISIT TO CANTERBURY.

The Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. W. F. Masseyl returned to Christchurch last evening from his tour of inspection of the graiu-growing areas of Canterbury. He leaves for Wellington tonight. Interviewed by a ■ 'Press" representative, lio stated that the next New Zealand loan would be raised at the right time, and on the proper method. "We arc well off financially at present: the money wo have in sight will last for « long while to come." Mr Massey stated that he was not prepared to pass an,- remarks about a resolution oi' master-bakers regarding the price of Hour, because the whole question depended upon this season's grain crop. Mr Massev's impressions of the prospects of the wheat harvest in Canterbury are given in another column. 31U MASSEY AT TWARU, (srixi.u. to "the ruEss.") TIMAIU'. .January 17. llic Prime Minister paid a hurried visit, to Timarii to-day lor the purpose o! making enquiries into tho wheat supply of this season, and seeing for himself tho effects of the drought on the crops. Ho arrived by the first express from Christchurch. and returned by the last express last night. At tho 1 ail way station lie was met by Mr C. Ji. Kerr, of Cave, who took him for a short run in his car. They were accompanied by Mr W. Xosworthv. M.P. and Mr J. Craijjie. M.P. '

Massoy was motored out to the Kingsdown Uistrict, where -Mr Craigm showed him over his 7l)0-acro iarui» i ( rom there he went on to I'aroora 1-ast, and then taking u lino due west, reached the lieaconsiield district, returning to Timaru for lunch at the brosvenor Hotel, whefo ho was joined by the Mayor of Timaru (Mr E K, Guinness).

in the afternoon Mr Massev visited tho Gleniti and the Ciarcniont districts. On his return to town at 4 o'clock ho expressed regret at finding South Canterbury suffering severely from the drought, and said that ho hail seen nothing worse in any part of NewZealand this season.

Several deputations took what littlo time there was to wait on the Prime Minister.

The Mayor, and Messrs G. S. Cray, J. J*. Newman, J. P. Murphy, aud \v. D. Revel 1 brought under Mr Massey's notice the action of the Hon. G. \V. Russell in temporarily impounding tho £2000 -which had been forwarded to him from Timaru, Ashburton, and Christchurch, for transmission to the Belgians, and they asked for an assurauco that nothing of tho kind would happen again. Tlie Prime Minister stated emphatically that such a proceeding would not bo repeated. Tho deputation also asked in what way the local Patriotic Societies could, aid recruiting, and tho Prime Minister promised to forward all details on his return to "Wellington. He was also asked a question relative to the i?upply of artificial limbs for. injured soldiers, and Mr Mnssey promised that this information would be sent from Wellington. Mr Guinness, as Mayor of the town, and at the request of tho Timaru Borough Council, complained strongly oF the increased charge, now mado for admission to the platform at the Timaru railway station. Ho pointed out that a charge of 3d was out of all reason, and that tho revenue thus deJ rived by the Department would pay in? terest on a new railway station costing £7000 or £8000. Although they had been promised a new station for years past, and were beinc made to nay interest on it, the new station seemed as far off as ever. Mr Massey advised that this natter be referred to the Minister of RniU ways, and he added jocularly that tho platform charge seemed to bo a good one for the Railway Department.