SCOPE OF COMMISSION

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 82, 5 April 1924, Page 11

SCOPE OF COMMISSION

STATEMENT BY PRIME

MINISTER

WILL THE MORATORIUM END IN

DECEMBER?

.HI IELESRAPn.— PKtSS ASSOCUTIOH.)

OAMARU, 4th April. In the course of an interview with a representative' of the "North Otago Times," the Prime Minister (Mr. W. F. Massey) stated that the order of the Taxation Commission would be as wide is possible, but would' bb-confined to direct taxation. It was hoped that the Commission would report in a few weeks, itnd a. Bill would be brought down next session dealing with taxation.

Asked what other important business .would' b e . transacted.next session, Mr. Massey said.measures.dealing with electoral reform, .licensing, and gaming would be introduced, and there Would also be a big consolidating Land Bill, in reply ; lo a question as to whether fche latter measure would include the extension'of the freehold to all endowment land, Mr. Massey said he would not answer that cniestion at present. • ■ In regard to the decision of the British Government over the Singapore Base, he said that Parliament had voted £100,000 for this purpose, but, it would not now be handed! over. He- did not proposg going ,to the- London market for a k)an at present, but as soon as he considered the market favourable he would endeavour to raise four or five millions. lie believed there was an easier -tone in the market compared with a few months ago. >

In reference to the moratorium which expires in December next, he stated' that ho could not at present say whether tha moratorium would definitely cease. Ha mentioned that farmers had waited upon him in the last day or two, and stated that if the moratorium. was .lifted they would be 'compelled to walk off their {arms. " ' '