DOMINION AFFAIRS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12016, 5 March 1920, Page 2

DOMINION AFFAIRS.

Wellington, March_ 8. In a review of the general situation,' with some pointers for the future, the Prime Minister made an announcement to-day to delegates at the conference of Chambers of Commerce, that the trade of New Zealand was the greatest per head of population of all countries of the world. The outlook for the year was good and ", the season bad been satisfadtory as far as the producers were concerned. The commandeer was coming to an end, but ho doubted whether stores would bo empty before the end of the year. He believed the commandeer had been of great benefit to the "people of the Dominion in stabilising production during the war on a certain footing. The total amount which had come to this country by the end of the commandeer would be some hundred and fifty million sterling for the produce transferred to the* Imperial Government. No doubt a free market had its advantages, and now the war was passed the country would benefit. New Zealand could produce as much per head of population as an£ country could and of as good quality. The future depended on ourselves. We bad to exert ourselves and do our host under whatever circumstances might prevail. CONCERNING TAXATION Regarding taxation, Mr Massey frankly admitted that the present system was very far from perfect, being tail of anomalies. It was tho intention of tho Government to put it right at the earliest possible moment, whether through a Royal Commission or, a financial committee had not yet beep decided. Something would be done before the House met and a report would be placed before a Parliamentary committee composed of members who had made a special study of financial questions. He would tie very glad, to liave the assistance of members of Chambers throughout the Dominion. As far as he was personally concerned he believed it was right and proper for the Finance Minister to take no more money from the people than was absolutely necessary to carry on th» business of the country. As compared with the period before the war, they had to pay five million more per annum for interest and sinking fund, and in addition there would be two million tor war pensions. It would be seen that there was very little opporunity of reducing taxation just yet. He thought there would be a very satisfactory surplus this year, but whether there would be a sufficient surplus to reduce taxation remained to be seen. The only chance of reducing taxation would be when production increased both in quantity and value. That should be the aim of the people, to increase production by whatever means lay in their power. That was tho only wise policy at the present time. IMMIGRATION. The Prime Minister then dealt with other problems of reconstruction. As to domestics, he understood that about 200 were on their wav out now at a cost of £4O each for'passage. The Government had arranged for the conversion of cargo steamers for the carrying of emigrants on the voyage out and the steamer Mahana would bring about 1100, arriving here in April. Mr Massey added that he had had many applicants for positions as immigration agents in England, but there was no need for them now.