THE PRIME MINISTER

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 139, 10 December 1919, Page 9

THE PRIME MINISTER

SPEECH AT TTJAKAU.

(BX TEI.EGIUPH.—PBESS ASSOCIATION.)

AUCKLAND, Bth December. Tho Prime Minister had a* remarkable reception at Tuakau this afternoon. The town was gaily decorated, and children lined the approach to the hall, which was crowded. The chairman extended a hearty welcome to Mr. Massey. whose name, he said, was familiar throughout the world as a result of his conspicuous work as head of the National Govern-

ment.

Mr. Massey was received with cheers, and his speech was punctuated with applause. Alluding to defence, he said he did not suggest a' great standing army, but it was essential to keep the Navy supreme. (Applause.) Dealing with the Opposition and extreme Labour parties, which, he said, appeared to be in competition as to which should have the greatest number of nationalisation proposals, he said it reminded him of a doctor who prescribed the same pill for every ill. (Laughter.) In this case, nationalisation was the one pill. While believing that nationalisation was necessary to break up monopoly, lie laid down the principle that the State should not interfere with any industry which could better be run by private individuals. He declared his belief that the principal cause of the increase in the cost of living was the tremendous issue of paper currency, which had the inevitable effect of cheapening money. He did not believe the cost of living would be greatly reduced until much of the paper currency was withdrawn, and this would be a gradual process. New Zealand would welcome the ex-service men Britain was going to assist to go abroad. A unanimous vote of thanks and continence was carried amid cheers.