EMPIRE EXHIBITION

Otago Witness, Issue 3594, 30 January 1923, Page 16

EMPIRE EXHIBITION

MISSION CRITICISES NEW ' ZEALAND. LONDON, January 26. Very strong exception is taken by Sir Janies Allen to the report of the British Empire Exhibition Mission, which last year toured the dominions, as far as it relates to New Zealand. Interviewed, Sir James Allen declared that the report not only exceeds its scope, but casts grave and unwarranted reflections on the resources of New Zealand. “I have sent a copy to Mr Massey, he said, “and I am atraid that it will have an unfortunate effect on New Zealand's attitude towards the exhibition. I understand that the report was to be confidential, yet extracts have been published in the London press. These include a statement by the agricultural adviser to the mission that the best land in New Zealand is worth only £3O to £4O per acre. This statement is quite incorrect. It was made apparently after a fortnight’s stay in the dominion. The report further alleges that the facilities for grading stock exist only on paper, which is incorrect; also that the dairy production in New Zealand is far too low. Figures are quoted in support of this theory, which is inaccurate. The report criticises the management of the New Zealand railways, which is stated to be inferior to that of 10 years ago. The hotels were severely criticised, and it is said that there is a wide gap between- them and the average Canadian hotels. The relations between Capital and Labour are lengthily described, and serious reflections are cast on the New Zealand employers. The report quotes well-known extremist utterances regarding the war as authority.” Sir James Allen added: “I dispute the accuracy of much uf the report, hut, apart from its merits, what have criticisms’ of New Zealand railways, hotels, methods of agriculture, and .labour munitions to do with- the Empire. Exhibition ? ’ ’’ OFFER OF POWER STATION. LONDON, January 27. The British Electrical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association has offered to provide the British Empire Exhibition with a. temporary power station worth £130,000, at a nominal cost. The station would be large enough to light a town With a population of 100,000 persons.