Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1920, Page 2

The general estimates for the administration of the country were put through finally by the House on Friday

last. An enornms sum was involved. The total ran into over thirty-three millions, whereof over twenty-six millions represented annual appropriations ;ipd were a direct charge against the revenue account. The Government had their ow« way, of gpur.se, with the expenditure. Their proposals were approved and endorsed by the passing .of votes. The discussion generally wag limited. It was not very keen por critical at the best. The most remarkable fact was • the silence which could he felt as to the suggestion for economies to relieve the tension of thiß tremendous annual outgoing. Although the dctual war period is past, we still have the legacy of the war to deal with In so many ways. Above all is the piled up debt of the war which has got to he paid. So far there is no defined scheme for a quick renrwment of heavy interest charges, over a long term of years. The question of taxation has not been faced in such a Way as to bring about a reduction of the national .debt). In Britain the task is being tackled fearlessly, and though there is much discontent at the action of the .Government’ the natip/j is beginning to

realise the benefit of that action by the improved, credit Britain, is regaining. Hero nothing so heroic is attempted. Next year we arc promised a review of the Customs, but probably this will be very much like the review of the land and income taxation—a re-adjustment rather than a revenue producing means. Over and over again the Government has been urged to place an export tax on products claiming great advances in prices over pre-war markets, and this is a form of taxation which could well be brought under the Customs. The two main essentials necessary in regard to national finance arereal economy in administration—meaning thereby a definite reduction in expenditure—and provision to reduce substantially the war debt the country has incurred. Till these steps are taken, financial matters will remain chaotic and uncertain -which will not be to the advantage of New Zealand.

In the affray .of the Estimates last Week the only event to ripple the surface of £he otherwise placid waters in which the Government sails, was the close division on the railway estimates on the question of freedom of political action for civil servants. The division Was 30 to 30, and the Chairman of Committees gave his casting vote with the Government for the peculiar reason that the concession asked for had been granted in advance by the Government, though Mr Massey speaking later, and evidently chagrined at the closeness of the division, said the House had by its vote vetoed the granting of tile rights even by courtesy of tile Government! The House was a thin one certainly, but it would have been very annoying to the Premier had he been defeated and have had to seek an adjournment to have the vote contested recommitted when all his followers were at heel. The incident, however, was not without its value. It showed that some of the Reform supporters can indulge in a play of independence, and this predisposition to freewill action will indicate to the Prime Minister that there might be times where he should walk more ■ circumspectly. The Opposition will be heartened by the vote, for it will realise that it may not always be ploughing a lone furrow. Tljere are malcontents within the Government fold, aind angling for them the political game might take a brighter turn from now on. But the Government is perfectly safe, nevertheless, and will go on its way rejoicing in its substantial majority in the hour of stress. The general Estimates disposed of and there will he a j demand for the Public Works Estimates. But before these are brought down some important legislation is promised. Members are always in a hurry to dissolve once the loaves and fishes I distributed in the way of votes are ap- ' portioned, so Mr Massey will lay his course to get rid of the necessary legislation he has in mind. Thtre are signs now though that the House will be through its business this session in a month or six weeks’ time.