MINISTERS AT DUNEDIN.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVII, Issue 142, 18 June 1913, Page 5

MINISTERS AT DUNEDIN.

THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

DUNEDIN, June 18. The Hon. Messrs Massey and Allen arrived yesterday, and were tendered a civic welcome.

Mr Massey, in a speech, covered the ground recently reported. He emphasised the financial buoyancy of the country. The public accounts showed an increase in revenue for the year of £698,000. and an increase in the expenditure of £575,000. When the Government passed the Land Tax Bill it was said to be a fraud, but the accounts showed that the increase of the land tax was £81,500. Referring to humanitarian legislation. Mr Massey stated that the Government , hoped to lower the pension age for women to 60 years. Regarding land settlement the Government intended to place on the market 'during the three months ending June 30th 111,848 acres of Crown lands, divided into 354 holdings. Their policy was to find land for every man who wished to go on it. Since March 31st he had bought in different parts of New Zealand 125,000 acres, which would be available for settlement before the end of the financial year.

Mr Allen again repeated the description of his recent tour of England, and his financial operations..