PRIME MINISTER

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1931, Page 6

PRIME MINISTER

REFUSAL TO BE DRAWN

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association)

CHRISTCHURCH, January 27

Asked this evening if he could indicate tile date on which the decisions of Cabinet at its important meeting, which, commences to-morrow, would be made public, the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forties, said that he hoped that it would lie next week. It was impossible for him to he more definite.

The time was short, and Air Forbes, who was awaiting tbo arrival of bis train, dealt rapidly with the questions of the newspaper representatives. He refused absolutely to he drawn however. “Is Cabinet being asked to consider a ten per cent cut in the salaries of the civil servants?” be was asked. “No” replied the Prime Minister. “The meeting of Cabinet which commences to-morrow, is for the purpose of reviewing the financial position in a general fashion. It will continue to the cud of the week.” “Will the question of a special session of Parliament conic before the Ministry?” was asked. “That is one of the matters that will be discussed,’ replied Air Forbes. When the reporters sought mere detailed information, as to the business I which would be dealt with by Cabinet, particularly as it affected wages and taxation, Air Forbes said that he could not state in advance, what that would be. “You gentlemen are just as qualified as I am to judge the situation and to anticipate how Cabinet will deal with it!” lie continued. Air Forbes said that measures deemed necessary for meeting the Dominion’s requirements would he prepared. He could not say whether or not tbo Arbitration Court would be I given the power to alter the conditions of the existing awards. The Prime Alinister said that he had not yet been able to consider a scheme for the relief of the primary i producers.

“I know what the farmers are up against,” said Air Forbes. “It is a

hard'proposition.”