EX-SERVICE MEN

Evening Post, Volume CI, Issue 111, 11 May 1921, Page 5

EX-SERVICE MEN

VICTORIA EULOGISED

EFFORTS AT SETTLEMENT

KEEPING EMIGRANTS WITHIN THE EMPIRE.

(UNITED TRtSS ASSOCIATION.—COPTRISHT.) (AUSTRALIAN • NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOC' ATION.) (Received May .11, 9 a.m.) LONDON, 10th May. Sir Peier M'Bride (Agent-General for Victoria) gave a luncheon to Mr. W. M'Pherson (Treasurer of Victoria) at the Stationers' Hall. Mr. Winston Churchill, in proposing the health of the guest, said that he rejoiced to see Mi-. M'Pherson in London. He represented what was called a small State of the Commonwealth, but Victoria was nearly as large as Great Britain.

Australia had sent many distinguished men to this country, including tha guest, and some of its great men are engaged in playing cricket. Mr. M'Bherson was Victoria's Chancellor of the Exchequer, and in that capacity he had seen the rise and fall of several fiscal dynasties in this country. He compared more than favourably with his contemporaries, in that he had not imposed any new taxation. Victoria had exerted herself admirably in the matter of settling ex-service men. . The work done in this respect was most invaluable in the British Empire's policy. It taxed Britain to let the men go, but she knew they would come back when the need arose, as they did the last time when the Motherland called. Britain could not build on foundations more deep than in sending the best out of its patriotic manhood to form homes far away from this small island, which still,was the main prop of the civilisation of the wbrld. As long.as Victoria sent representatives as ' competent as Mr. M'Pherson, so long would its credit stand high in London.

Mr. M'Pherson, in replying, congratulated Mr. Churchill on becoming Colonial Secretary, which was euro to bo advantageous to the Dominions. He assured Mr. Churchill of a cordial welcome if over he was able to visit the Dominions. The Prince of Wales's visit and .the sympathy 'ac manifested went a long way to bind up the wounded spirits of thoso who suffered through the war. .

Mr. M'Pherson generally outlined the Victorian finances, and pointed out that the incroased revenue of the State was the result of the people's prosperity rather than increased taxation. He believed tlio taxable limit had been reached, and to go farther would retard industrial development. The fact that in the past few years they had raised loan moneys locally, was evidence of the people's* desire to help themselves. This process, however, in a country' needing development had its limitations. They had spent six millions in settling soldiers on the land. Of the nine thousand provided for only 1 per cent, had turned out failures. Despite contrary reports, the Australians did not win the war, but did just as the Britishers did —their duty—and did it well. The Government desired to interfere as little as possible with private ontorprise, except where public interest was imposed on. Victoria's industrial policy was to supply its own "requirements >as fftr'as possible and''become self-reliant. '„ -.There was ample room for millions in additional population. Tho duty of the Imperial and Colonial authorities was to keep the emigrants within the Empire.

His Government appreciated the liberality of tho British, authorities over the good wool purchases in war time. He .thought the bankers, though adversely criticised, had taken the correct view with regard to the exchange difficulties. He hoped the authorities in Britain would do their utmost to secure for Britain as much as possible of the trade now flowing from America to Australia.