The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1931. POLITICAL POSSIBILITIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 January 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1931. POLITICAL POSSIBILITIES.

The political possibilities of the immediate present are in the hands of Rt. lion. G. W. Forbes, the Prime -Minister. He has had plenty of advice from his opponents, and no doubt has been fully advised of the real position by his colleagues and officers. In summing up the position for definite action, he will be concerned mainly about the financial issue, which at present more than ever, limits the policy of the Government. The marked fall in revenue noticeable in the returns published from customs and railways, is going to make the balancing of the budget, difficult if not impossible. For that reason, there is very- little latitude likely in regard to policy measures. Finance controls the present and overshadows the future. With the approach of the end of the financial year on March 31, thought has to be given to an adjustment of the result as far as possible, but, also, the probable amount available for the coming year. This being election year, it is important in the life of any Government, for all Governments are expected to do things in the final year of the session as a means to impress the e'petors before polling time arrives. Tt seems obvious from the general state of the country’s principal trading avenues, that the amount of money likely to he available will be restricted considerably from now on for a rather indefinite period. With wool and dairy produce at low prices the return to the country of outside wealth is definitely reduced. The millions of decrease is making its effect felt all round, hut the result nationally is in particular of serious import. The Governikfmt like any ordinary business concern can only- spend as much as its credit will allow, and the country has realised

in this that there is not much elasticity about its possible credit. The Prime .Minister has bis task in looking tne credit go round to the best ad Mintage. Une thing is inevitable, i and that is the adoption of economical measures to make tne money go further. '1 Ins is not a simple task, lor ns soon as any branon of the public service is attacked, there is at once an outcry on grounds more or less toniiuk‘> 111 argument, and which can be approved only by a full realisation that the nation’s resources are contractnm Mr Forbes’ li.sk m this respect 7s vvr.v difficult. Those .affected and their 1 menus consider themselves Unla,rly treated. It is well that Mr Torbes is not stopping to count the pol. j uieal cost in this respect, but is bent I ou doing hi s duty irrespective of i Inend or foe. What lie needs is the ),ic mig of outspoken public opinion. Mr Forbes lias courage, for lie has confidence in the future of New Zealand, and is bent on discharging his responsibilities vvic.li the knowledge Ulllt ,1C ls sound lines. As to geiieial policy matters, the Government measures have carried the support of ft "lajority of the House. In effect I that has been representative! of two parties, and no doubt on right lines that support will be' continued, but . : it is in regard tq the provision of tul- i 1 equate finance fur national needs that'* tlm true test will come, and by main-f taining the credit of the country Mf I Forbes's Government will continue to 1 stand well. (