REDUCING TAXATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18042, 17 March 1922, Page 4

REDUCING TAXATION.

MR. MASSEY'S EFFORTS.

LOWER RAILWAY FREIGHTS.

LOCAL LOAN AT 5 PER CENT.

[by teleqraph.—press association.] FA.IRLIE. Thursday. The Prime Minister arrived at Fairlie this evening and' was entertained by the Mackenzie County Council at an informal dinner. Afterwaifds ho addressed b public meeting, where he was given a cordial reception.

Referring to the meal pool, Mr. Massey outlined the Bcheme, which, ho said, had becomo necessary to promote an organisation to cope with exploitation. He believed it had had a good effect on the meat markets at Home. He did not claim tho whole credit for the recent rise, but he quoted figures to show there had been an increase of over 50 per cent, in both mutton and lamb since the proposals were mooted, representing a. total of £2,500,000. Freights, freezirg charges, and storage charges in London had also been reduced.

It was not proposed to form a corner to exploit tho public at, Home. On the contrary, they were trying to prevent producers hero being exploited. lho board had very largo powers, but he felt tho men appointed would give a good account of themselves. Continuing Mr. Massey said the Public Debt iu the war period had been increased by about £100.000,000. Ho scouted the idea of repudiation. Civil servants had to receive increased pay in tho shape of bonuses, which amounted to £4,500.000. Now retrenchment had to take place and would take full effect in a year's time. Ho hoped that the last half of tho bonus would not have to be taken away. In any case Civil servants would probably shortly find themselves in as good a position as formerly owing to the decrease iu tho cost of living. Mr. Massey referred at length to the wool position, and predicted an increase in price still further in a short time. The financal credit of tho country was good. A loan would be raised before winter. Money was coming down in price and ho hoped to raise a loan at 5 per cent.—ho reiterated locally. Touching railway matters, the Prisie Minister acknowledged there was much room for improvement. Freights were too but money had to be secured. He hoped to make reductions in tho next fow months and to improve the working of the system. Ho urged the need for further development in the country, arid instanced forestry as one lino that shouid ha pushed. Tho land must be brought under cultivation and cultivated land must be made to produce, More immigration must be encouraged and the opportunity now nre?ented of pettins! the pick of the people from the Uld Country should be seized, Hydro-electric-itv must be fully utilised. 'Referring to housing, Mr. Massey said the Government's scheme was not a success. Government building cost too much. The policy now was to lend money to those who wished to build. Every head of a household should be encoura-ged to become his own landlord. Dealing with taxation, Mr.. Massey said taxation was too high. This was one cause of unemployment and he wished to reduce taxation as well as railway charges as soon as possible. He justified the rebate on land and income taxes and pronounced it a distinct success. Referring to Imperial matters, the Prime Minister advocated continuity of conference and the right cf representatives of the various portions of the Empire to a seat in the Council of State, at more frequeht intervals. After speaking for two honrs t Mr. j 'Massey resumed his seat amid warm app'auso, and was accorded a vote of thanks.