The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1931. THE PRIME MINISTER’S STAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1931. THE PRIME MINISTER’S STAND.

The stand taken by Mr Forbes in bis reply to public service and other deputations waiting on him in regard to salaries’ cuts, indicate that the Prime Minister has made up his mind on the subject, and so far as the coming session is concerned, is prepared to stand or fall by the fate accorded his proposals. The fact of the matter is that Mr Forbes is convinced fully as to the economy course lie has set for the country. He has been criticised by some of bis opponents for not moving earlier in the matter. It can be well understood that he was loath to attempt anything drastic till fully convinced as to the imperative necessity. There was (as there is still) always of the chance for the silver-lining to appear in regard to commodity prices, and if there was a reasonable uplift, the effect on the country would at once reveal itself, and the stringency would pass. But that happy condition did. not arise. Instead, the flattening of the wool prices brought- home very clearly the general financial trend. On top of that was the fall in prices for stock and produce, so that the tanner and producer had to face a very lean time. It is true that butter lias recovered somewhat, which is a very fortunate circumstance, but there is nothing fancy about the price, and the return for butter tat is still below

a cost of living basis. In the consequence, many of those on the land find their incomes cut in two, and are not aide to meet the monthly obligations with any convenience or regularity, fhe plight of the producers operates very adve.soly on the national prosperity of which it is the king pin. cinch bring the case, all the country suffers Enough the lax of inflowing capital for the produce, and the shortage means less available money to go round. The iarmer has to contract hjs operating expenses very considerably. He cannot do as much as he should for his land in the way of fertilisers. I'hat is a serious position, lor less nnnures distributed means less pro* (notion, and a further contraction of he next season’s returns. With his 1 ultimate connection with farming, Air Forbes is well aware of the experience the man oil the land is passing through, and he feels shell a useful member of the community must be helped to the utmoH.-.- ft is urgently necessary to oxeroiso all round economy and so reduce administration expenses and save taxation. The Prime Minister proposes various ways of helping out the financial situation, yet strange to say the cut in wage's in the effort most elo'cly criticised. Yet if the Government desire is met all round, and there is a general reduction in wages, nnv apparent hardship will disappear. '■•!) lar as the public service is concerned it becomes a question whether in any ease it can be maintained at its present staffing and rate's of piny, because of the lack of money to foot the bill. With such a contingency in mind, the Government would be lacking in its duty did it not shorten sail betimes and set a course which would avoid the financial rocks ahead. Mr Forbes is convinced he is on the right course to save the country's good name, and if Parliament thinks otherwise, well, his responsibility will be ended, and another captain must ascend the bridge! It is quite the statesmanlike attitude for a lender to take, and that Mr Forbes is so definite in his view induces conviction as to his policy. New Zealand can afford to be led advisedly at this stage. It has a reputation, to maintain, and above all it is necessary to secure the country’s credit abroad. In times of difficulty and 'stringency only sacrifices can save the position. Fair words are without avail, and deeds are required to retrieve a difficulty situation which is symptomatic of world affairs generally, Tt is well, therefore, that at such a critical time. Mr Forbes lias confidence in the advice. ho offers as a means of saving the position, and the people in turn should nlaee their confidence in Mr Forbes, the qni<ko- to afford him the opportunity to null the country through its difficulties.