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Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1931, Page 4

An early announcement is expected in regard to the. general intentions of the Government affecting national affairs. Cabinet has been sitting closely, and the .Prune' Minister has been, norjubilig a first hand knowledge of tho position us it has developed during his absence at the Imperial Conference. Jt would appear a good deal of radical reformation in the administration of the county will be necessary in the attempt to balance the budget. It is feared in most quarters that the budget will not balance for tile financial year ending next month, and it will lie necessary to start the next financial year under alteied auspices. As radical changes appear inevitable the Government is very likely to take Parliament into its confidence, and allow the Home to decide as to the policy for the immediate future. It is a hold but necessary step in the circumstances, and the Prime Minister and his colleagues are to be raised for contemplating the step. It is part and parcel of the Liberal practice of trusting the people, and is in keeping with Mr .Foibes action since taking tho high office. The monthly returns disclose a ver.\ heavy drop in customs’ revenue. This has been developing for a long time now, and with the knowledge, also, that the railway returns are drifting to leeway, the hopes of a surplus or ('veil a balanced budget have long past. Wisely, therefore, the people arc being told of the general situation, and the measures to he adopted to meet it. It is manifest that a very large sum will be required to meet at all adequately the drain in money for the relief of unemployment. This branch of the expenditure must, also, diminish public works outgings generally, and railways and other major works must suffer for the time being. An early session of Parliament will help also to clear the air as to the prospects of any political fusion or the attempt to create a form of national Government. Tt will be some satisfaction at least to have this vexed question settled one way or the other, and the prospects in respect to this matter rests in the seriousness of the general statement to he made by the Prime Minister when dealing with the country's position in his fort booming public .declaration, which will be governed also as regards important details by the late national disaster at Hawkes Bav.