The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 1930. A STUDY IN CONTRASTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 June 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 1930. A STUDY IN CONTRASTS.

Tjtkiik is a marked contrast between

ilie altitude of the Prime Minister in lacing the present situation of the Dominion, and that of Mr Holland, the leader of the Labour Party, The former has already given his impression of the gravity of the financial

position generally, which unfortunately is too fully confirmed by a study of the volume of business clone by tho country, and the slackness of trade generally. Speaking at ' Cheviot on Monday night, Mr Forbes detailed how the seriousness of the position was brought under his notice by the Secretary to the Treasury, and stated that realising what the information conveyed, lie decided to share his responsibility in the matter with the public. Mr Forbes, nevertheless, expressed his intciiiion of endeavouring to balance the budget in the interests of the country as a whole, and although he recognised he was courting a good deal of unpopularity, he was resolved to face tho situation and do his duty. One of Mr Forbes’ intentions is to overhaul t(he public service departments to see where savings cap be made. This is a stop in the tight direction, for it is better to economise if possible than lo load extra taxation on tho public. Mr Holland is resolved, however,.to say “hands off the public service,” both oil the subject of wages and conditions. This irresponsible statement expressed before lie knows the position, .seems to lie something of a vo'e catching movement. For the benefit of the Labour Party at the polls .Air Holland evidently wishes to be on the best terms with the large army of public servants New Zealand maintains. His interest and concern in those well placed under the public service both in regard lo salaries and an assn,re,d future in old age by reason of superannuation is remarkable at this juncture and can bo accounted for only by the prospects of a general election at any odd time now. Mr Holland appears to be more concerned! n.bouit .'the ~status of the public, service so well cared for by tho national administration, than for the national silnaToit. In. contrast, Mr Forbes is frank enough to say that in the public interests, the position must be investigated and weighed, and il the country is to come through the present stringency with the least inconvenience to all concerned, and discerning public and even the members of the public .service itself, will realise the Prime Minister is working on'

souiicl business lines, with the object not of injuring the public service, but with the ardent desire of maintaining jt to the best advantage on' economical lines which will help siul not he burdensome to the country at large, This side .light on the financial position of the moment, is illuminating as to the methods of the hahour party in different times under M J ' Holland’s policy. What the country needs most of all at this particular juncture is sane financial administration and the adjustment of both revenue and expenditure so that a real financial debacle will not overtake the country. Were that to do so all classes of labour, including the public service, would suffer materially and no amount of specious promises could stand up against a depleted Treasury. With the dislocation of New Zealand’s trade overseas caused by the drop in values of primary products, and the restricted inflow of motley there must, while present conditions last, be a difficult time and stringent conditions. The Government realises this, and is shaping its course accordingly. Mr Holland lias no serious thought of the consequences ahead if restrictive measures are not taken betimes. That is the evidence manifest in the contrast between the two policies which the two lenders advance. Mr Forbes is for national safety all' along the line. Mr Holland is for a; blihd ignoring of the national situation and drift, and lack of courage to Taco the position by meeting it frankly.