THE PRIME MINISTER.

Otago Witness, Issue 3331, 16 January 1918, Page 20

THE PRIME MINISTER.

VIEWS ON CURRENT QUESTIONS

THE GERMAN COLONIES

■ The Prime Minister (the Right Hon. W. F. MasseyJ, who has been on a brief vis.t tc, Otago, was interviewed by a Daily Times reporter on Saturday. in reply to ft question whether the Government purposed purchasing the Teviot Estate for cioae settlement, Mr Massey said that Cabinet had had the matter under consideration, but no decision as to purchasing the estate had been come to. The position was that the property was being controlled by the Public Trustee, and waa to bo offered at public auction on the 25th inst. Ho had arranged for the Land Purchase Board—Messrs J. D Ritchie (chairman), K. T. Saddj and James Smith—to visit it today, and their report would be submitted to Cabinet. There were, however, certain technicalities to bo considered before anything could be done.

Regarding the- dominion's representation at the Imperial War Council, Mr Massey said that Cabinet had considered the matter, . and it had been decided that the dominion would ( bo represented. The Government had not yet been informed as to the date of the meeting of the council; this rested entirely with the Imperial authorities. When information on this point was forthcoming Cabinet would then consider who tho dominion's representatives would be.

Questioned regarding the future destiny of frio German colonics, Mr Massey said ha hoped there would bo no doubt on this matter. He was strongly of opinion that the islands in the South Pacific should become part of the British dominions. The nativo chiefs on these islands had expressed themselves as exceedingly anxious to be brought under British protection, but tho authorities hnd turned them down. He considered that it would be dangerous to submit tho question of control to a plebiscite of the inhabitants, as the question involved several impracticable difficulties. Ho was, however, most emphntio in his support of the principlo that the natives concerned in the future administration of these colonies should bo given adequate representation at the final conference. There were many factors in addition to native interests to be considered, such as tho vital questions of defence, strategic position, and progressive development.

Asked if ho had anvthing further to eay regarding the proposal that tho question of prohibition should bo submitted to an immediate vote, Mr Massey said that the whole matter would bo considered by the Government prior to tho next session of Parliament.

Mr Massey further stated that as far as he could see at present there would bo no occasion for Parliament to assemble earlier than usual, but tho doors wore still being kept open anr* if occasion demanded Jt«j members would b© summoned earlier. That contingency was, howovor, very improbable.