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Hokitika Guardian, 24 August 1931, Page 4

While New Zealand has its own financial troubles, those of the Motherland appear to be more critical, and because of the magnitude, ihore serious from every point of view. The meeting of the heads of the parties is an indication of the situation. Apparently the other parties are being consulted as to the policy measures to be brought down, because the Labour Government at Home is in a minority, and is dependant on support from . the other parties. There as here, no doubt, expenditure is as much in need of overhaul, as the finding- cf more money, but tht Labour party is not disposed to curtail social services which are costing an enormous sum annually, There is also the moot question of a revenue tariff to which the present Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr Sndw_ den) is fundamentally opposed. Previously. the Conservatives formulated an emergeny tariff for revenue purposes and- to assist Empire trading, hut Mr Snowden would have none of it! He stands fast by free trade principles, but .those principles will now have the severest test ever enountered. Force of circumstances are compelling action at Home as in New Zealand, which cannot be avoided. No Government desires to put more taxation on the people, hut where every alternative in the way of saving has been exhausted, there the duty demanded must he done. Within the Empire at the present juncture the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, are facing grave difficulties. Their obligations are of varying magnitude, but the course to be taken to- solve the situation, is alike in each case. There has to be the closest overhaul of expenditure and the stopping of all waste. Then to keep the country advancing, that range of taxation which is necessary to prevent drift in the annual statement of accounts. The obligations of the situation call for foresight and courage.