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Hokitika Guardian, 27 June 1930, Page 4

Tub Governor-General's Speech yesterday was the first in the regime of the present occupant, Lord Bledisloe. His Excellency since his arrival in the Dominion lias visited many of the larger centres and lias delivered many interesting addresses. Those remarks were of course “off his own hat,” and his observations were never without both local and general interest. The Speech put into his mouth yesterday by his Advisers, while following conventional lines, did not contain a great deal of interest for the reason that though many topics for fruitful discussion were referred to, there was

an absence of policy details which left the render of the Speech rather as he were at the outset—“lacking essential information.’’ The Speech was somewhat remarkable for its length, indicating more particularly the vaisicd variety of subjects -Ihero are awaiting attention of Parliament, and if all are to he ‘ disposed of before the Houses rise, tin'll a lengthy session must ensue. The most striking paragraph of the Speech is probably that referring to the finances. Ministers anticipate a drop in revenue, and Mr Forbes has p-evioiisfv estimated the iclefi it at

£3.000,006. Rut. the Sliced) goes on to sav : “Recognising that the yire.selit is not an oppor'uno time for placing additional burdens on the taxpayers, it is proposed to meet the position ns far as possible by a drastic curtailment of expenditure.” The striking part of this reference to an nll-import-ant matter, is the negative reference a further taxation—which has been

raither generally expected to result. There have been hitherto hints of Customs’ revision, a rise in the petrol tax, to say nothing of a land ancl income tax revision. If Mr Forbes can avoi I all three courses, and yet bill mice bis budget, lie is going lo a. limn a great deal and is certainly the right man in the right place. Another very important pargraph is the one dealing wjtli unemployment. Therein, it is explained that “it is confidently hoped that the steps to lie taken will result in overcoming the hardships arising from unemployment.” If this gieat achievement comes to. pass according to schedule, then undouhtedh the country as well as the House will at the earliest opportunity give Mi Forbes the I idlest confidence ancl authority to carry on. There is a, silence in the speech also about more* borrowing—which is to he appreciated as fai as it goes. But money has to be A >und soncowhere, and if not from taxation, then borrowing appears to ho the alternative. However, the details of tlie financial policy must be awaited. as also of the progressive land settlement policy indicated in the speech. The overhauling of the public administration with, a view to saving and establishing economy, wiT also lie averted with special interest Still, the Speech gives promise of very important Work. Mr Forbes is impressing all with his thoroughness, and there i,s the evidence of that virtue in the Speech-. The wo-ds he ing been uttered, the nation now awaits performances, arid these will he the real test of the new Government,