The Dominion THURSDAY, JULY 22, 1915. THE NEED FOR CAUTION

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2520, 22 July 1915, Page 4

The Dominion THURSDAY, JULY 22, 1915. THE NEED FOR CAUTION

The discussion on the War Pen'sions Bill which took place in the House of Representatives on Wednesday revealed a regrettable tendency oil the part of certain members to pose as the special friends of the soldiers, and to suggest by inference that those who felt the necessity of uttering a word of caution were grudging in their recognition of the splendid services of the men who are risking their lives for their country. It also showed that the majority of the House realise the need of caution and the wisdom of not attempting what may prove beyond our means to carry through. Every member of tho House, we believe, is anxious to do the right thing in the matter of pensions, and to make the grants as liberal as possible. Everyone recognises the duty of providing generously for our wounded soldiers and their dependents. It is, however, of the first importance that any scheme which may be adopted should be placed on a sound financial basis. To attempt too much is to court failure and to defeat the purpose in view. The rates _ set out in the schedules of the Bill are higher than those which have been fixed by the Governments of Britain, Canada, and Australia, who arc just as anxious as we'are to be generous to tho men who aro fighting the battles of the Empire. People who have a proper sense of responsibility naturally look forward a little, and consider what Will be the position of the Dominion after the war is over. Tho uncertainty of the future must bb taken into consideration. The tremendous obligations we are incurring in connection with the conduct of the war have to bo duly weighed in their relation to future commitments. A cable message which we publish to-day gives an estimate of Britain's war taxation. _ For 1914-15 it is estimated at 18 millions, 1915-16 at 68 millions, and 1916-17 at 72 millions. The point of, particular interest at ths moment, is the anticipated increase as the war goes on. It is impossible to say how long the conflict will last, or the extent of the financial obligations which the Bill will impose upon the country. It is obvious that whatever happens those obligations must He heavy. The wisest course for Parliament to pursue in these circumstances was to adopt the increased rates agreed upon by the Sccrct Defence Committee as a fair a-nd safe basis, with the understanding that it can be amended at some future date if circumstances warrant such a step. Those members who had the good sense and moral courage to warn the House against the inclination to let their hearts run away with their heads performed what was perhaps ail unpleasant but a necessary _ duty; It no doubt requires a considerable amount of self-restraint for a politician to resist the temp.tation to. gain cheap popularity by suggesting that the proposed rates should be increased regardless of cost, and it is a good sign that there are members on both sides of tho House who are able to take long views. The speakers who ostentatiously assumed the role of tho soldier's friend thoroughly deserved the severe rebuke they received from Sir Joseph Waud and Me. Hindmarsh, both of whom dealt with the question in a. broad-minded way from the 'national point of view. Sir Joseph Ward said some plain words about the folly of irresponsible people, who appear- to think that there is no limit to the amount of money that can be- raised by taxation. Those who glibly say "put it on this, or put it on that", too often do not know what they are talking about. Wealth ought to'bear its full share of the burden, but it is a mistake to think that all that is required in time of stress ,is to double a tax in order to secure double the return of revenue. The amount which can be raised by taxation depends ultimately upon the general prosperity of the countrv, and who can tell what the outlook will be after 'the conclusion of the war? It seems certain .that the world will have to pass through a period of commorcial and financial unsettlement. Though, as Sir Joseph Ward pointed out, the resources of New Zealand are wonderful, they have never been tested as they will be by this war. Ths Secret Defence Committee appears to have carefully weighed the possibilities of tho. situatipn, in the light_ of the special information at its disposal, and it acted much more wisely,than some of its critics, who seem to think that an Act of Parliament can make impossibilities possible. The manner in which the Committee has dealt with the War, Pensions Bill goes to show that its members are determined to place tho interests of the State before those of any party, and to deal with the matters_ that coinc'before it.from the national point of view. It has made a good beginning, arid if it continues to do its work in the same courageous and conscientious way it will' firmly establish itself in the confidence of the country.