A BETTER TONE

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 77, 28 September 1933, Page 10

A BETTER TONE

COUNTRY'S POSITION

OPTIMISTIC NOTE

The policy adopted by the Government to meet the financial stress of the times was defended by the Hon. J.1 A. Young (Minister of Health), in the courso of the Addrcss-iu-Reply, debate in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon.

"It is so easy to find fault witlr anything in stressful times," he remarked, "but it requires courage and determination to deal with tho problems as they come along."

The Minister claimed that New Zealand was doing more for tho relief of unemployment than other countries, and stated that the unemployed in tho Dominion received £.60 a year. Labour Governments elsewhere had made promises, but had found that they were unable to fulfil them. The ; Leader of the Opposition had said that unemployment relief was costly and uneconomic. "I admit that it is costly in a sense that tho community does not always get full value for the money spent," said the Minister. "It is not to be expected in all circumstances." The Minister referred to the fall in price levels, and the fact that revenue was not coining in. A Labour member: "What did you allow it to fall for?

"That's an extraordinary question," said tho Minister. The power was not in New Zealand. There had been an endeavour to bring down costs. The national incomo was reduced, and the effect on the people was to reduce purchasing power, and rates of interest had to be brought down to something' in keeping with conditions. Healthy, active discontent against the incidonce of unemployment was desirable, added the Minister, but he had no time for those who exploited the distress of others.' The work of investigation towards a solution of the problem must go on. THE BRIGHTER SIDE. Reviewing conditions generally, the Minister said that undoubtedly there were indications of a better tone and outlook. Those who had travelled had seen a decided improvement. Unemployment figures were materially decreasing in Great Britain, and generally there was a good outlook. There bad been an increase in the price levels of the Dominion's exportable produce, and that upper/movo would be very helpful to New Zealand. More money would be put into circulation, and tho spending of money would bo stimulated. There had been an improvement in the market for base metals. Mr. \V. J. Jordan (Labour, Manukau): They have controlled the output. Shipping companies engaged in the New Zealand overseas trade were building now vessels. Money was accumulating in the country,'and with the lower rate of interest it would soon find a market for enterprise. The stock market, particularly that for Government bonds, was healthy, and that all went to show' that there was confidence in the country.