EVERY N.Z. MAN HAS £2000 OF OWN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17880, 23 June 1926, Page 9

EVERY N.Z. MAN HAS £2OOO OF OWN.

ARMSTRONG ATTACKS INCORRECT STORIES ABOUT DOMINION. BLAMES GOVT. FOR MISLEADING MIGRANTS (Special to the “Star.") WELLINGTON, June 23. In referring, in the House last night, to incorrect statements concerning New Zealand which had been published in England Mr IT. T. Armstrong quoted from an article in the “ Children’s Paper." “ The Government succeeds in doping a large proportion of the adult population of New Zealand," said Mr Armstrong, “ but they get them younger in. England. This is the description that is given to children in England—to the young boy and girl who are thinking of coming to New Zealand.” He read a paragraph stating that New Zealand people had saved £1.000.000 a year for the last ten years. “If that is so,” he remarked, “we don't need to worry at all about our National Debt. If we are in a position to save £1,000,000 a year what do we want to borrow five or six million a year on the London market for?”

Mr M’Leod: What are you reading from ? Mr Armstrong: The “Children’s Newspaper” of February 26, 1926, from an advertisement. Oh, no! They are not all Government advertisements. Mr Nosworthv: Then, why blame the Government. Mr Armstrong: Because the Government* knows this sort of thing is going on. (Laughter.) Because the Government representatives at Home are almost as bad themselves. Mr No£ worthy: Thank you! Mr Armstrong: Because when the Prime Minister goes Home at the end of the year he may not exaggerate in this way, but he will certainly tickle their ears and hold out inducements to the people, and they will not discover they'are wrong till they get here. The Prime Minister: Thank God, the honourable gentleman is not going! Mr Armstrong: I might some day. Mr Coates: I would like to hear the honourable gentleman's story before he The speaker read another paragraph from the same article to the effect that every New Zealander had on an average £2OOO in money. “ Well,” he said, “ I am fifty years of age and I have been in New Zealand all the time. I have certainly done more than my share of useful work, but I never had anything like £2OOO. I don't like the chances of immigrants ever having £2000."