TOUR IN THE NORTH

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8329, 15 January 1913, Page 10

TOUR IN THE NORTH

OPTIMISTIC SPEECH ON GENERAL OUTLOOK. “STICKING TO PLEDGES.” Press Association. DARGAVILLB, January 14. The Prime Minister met with an enthusiastic reception on his arrival yesterday evening. Last night he was entertained at a public “social.” In the course of a speech, he said difficulties were rapidly disappearing so far as local finance was concerned, but difficulty still existed in regard to loan money which was not controlled by local conditions. He quoted figures, just telegraphed to him, showing that the revenue for the quarter ended December 31st increased by £155,592 compared with the previous corresponding quarter, while the expenditure decreased by £4981.

These figures indicated a buoyant revenue together with economy in expenditure. With the exception of loan money, the Dominion was never in a more prosperous condition than it was to-day. Mr Massey said that the Government was sticking to its pledges, and was determined to carry them out. He particularly referred to the freehold policy, the abolition of patronage in the Public Service and the elective Upper House, which reform he hoped to see carried next session,, or at any rate before the end of the present Parliament.

The Prime Minister is visiting the Waipoua State Forest to-day, will receive a deputation in the evening, and leaves for Albertland Settlement Jubilee to-morrow.