STATE ADVANCES

Hokitika Guardian, 30 September 1927, Page 1

STATE ADVANCES

REASON FOR DELAY. WELLINGTON, Sept. 28. A rather extraordinary explanation of the Government's failure to find more money for advances to workers was given in the House to-night by the .Minister of Finance, the Hon AY. Downie Stewart, in replying to Labour criticism. He said that it had been alleged that the State Advances Office was now eighteen months behind with applications for advances for homes, hut he knew that was not so. The Department was moiv dealing with applications made in duly last year, and urgent cases arising out of applications made in August last year. The question had been asked, “\Aliy doesii t the Government raise a few millions and catch up on applications for advances for dwellings?” The answer was that while Opposition memners talked about huge borrowing on the part- ol the Government it was improper toi the ‘Government to borrow. further, noitherii newspapers had made much of the fact that large sums had been borrowed. hut there had been no attempt to explain in a fair manner that seven or eight millions lmd been raised inHim last, two years for advances. AN hen people asked Opposition members why they did not receive advances on making application tliey should reply “AAe arc i V filrmc, because we are opposed lo the Government ’s fiorro-v. ing policy ’

Fi.rht millions cut r-f the eighteen milieus mentioned as having been borrowed had been borrowed for Met advances. Tf these in opposition tr the Government persisted in Li. • , • „ rro,eo 0 ,eo and anwith one voice in t other voice in the count . , t o . -n ister was prepared to agree with their that there should he a restricted horroving policy.