CRITICISM OF DOMINION.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16042, 1 February 1923, Page 7

CRITICISM OF DOMINION.

MR. MASSEY’S REPLY. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. Interviewed respecting Major Belcher’s report on Now Zealand, the Premier said ho understood the Empire Mission to New Zealand was to ascertain what support would bo forthcoming for tho exhibition. .Ho could not understand why the Mission considered it part of their duty to report upon the financial or commercial position of the country, or whether its producers happened to be prosperous or passing through a depression. Respecting the value of land it can be bought in New Zealand from £1 to £2OO, according to the quality, per aero. It is quito true settlers during the past two years had difficulty in making ends meet, but New Zealand was not an exception in this respect. The position now had greatly improved. Regarding the railways, Mr. Massey said that for its class the financial results will compare favorably with those of other parts of the Empire, especially during the difficult time the world is" passing through since the war. The grading of cattle was ahead of the United Kingdom. In conclusion Mr. Massey said the line of criticism taken by the Mission does not tend to encourage a friendly feeling with Brita : n or to inspire confidence in the exhibition. New Zealand would support the exhibition in pro portion to her population and her resources. Regarding the remarks on hotel accommodation, the Premier stated it was admitted thev could not compare with the best in older countries, hut there were many which were quite as comfortable.