SPEECH BY MASSEY.

Grey River Argus, 2 June 1922, Page 6

SPEECH BY MASSEY.

TBADE AND FINANCS. I HIT AT HOLLAND. I IXVERCA'RGILL, June 1. j The Prime Ylinister delivered a political rddress at the Municipal Theatre i to-night to a very largo audience. Mr Massey, who had a cordial reception, j de.ilt with the financial position c* the country on the lines of his Fcilding speech. Hi' said the problem before them was to reduce cost of Governmo7it, the cost of production and the cost of living; and also to reduce taxa- . tion. The public debt h: d practically doubled owing to the war. They were able to carry out their obligations, how- j ever, and were determined to do so. The speaker quoted returns showing what the country had done for reti’rrned soldiers, a great majority of whom wore, he said, making good. Retrenchment was most unepleasant work. Much had been done, but much remained to be done. The tot-1 savings effected amounted to £5,646.835 for the year, against which tluwe were increased charges of £837,127. Air Massey quot- | ed a comparison of income tax, showing 1 ■ that New Zealand taxpayers fared much better than those in the States of the ! Commonwe; Ith and in Britain. The confidence of British financiers in New Zealand was shown by the. success of the last loan. The corner had been I turned, and he predicted better ]>rices I for wool next season, the accumulations | having practically disappeared. He I thought tin* time was not very distant I when the board acre would again be | the most popular security for invest- I I ment- and money would be cheaper. The I Premier expressed himself satisfied with ; I the rebate in land and income tax 1 I which worked like a charm money com- | ing as freely as before the slump. He I did not know what course would be fol- ’ 1 lowed next year, but possibly the re- | I bate scheme would be retained. If |fl he could give reductions equal to the • h rebates he would be pleased to do so. I K He hoped tlm taxation committee would * h be able to make useful suggestions. lie B gave credit for much of the improve- j B ment in the national position to the ig working of the Meat Fool Board. j 8 Referring to the coming general elee- I g tion Mr Massey quoted a speech by j m Mr IL E. Holland, M.l’., in which he ; K said he would lie'ji the Liberals to put 1 the Government out, but.th: tif th? g| Liberals did not do as Labour dictated, 1 || he would help to put them out also, i Eg He (Mr Massey) would not consent to ’ g| hold office for two minutes by support I g of the extremists. On their record ■ gNi of administration, he submitted that the [ r-rosent Government was entitled to j further term of office. | bg The Premier was accorded a vote of thanks fur his address. !«|