ANOTHER CUT

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1932, Page 6

ANOTHER CUT

IN PUBLIC SERVICE

STATEMENT BY MR G, W. FORBES (By Telegraph—Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 25. There must be further reductions in expenditure, otherwise we are facing bankruptcy, and no Government is willingly going to allow the country to go bankrupt. What policy do you stand lor—wage reductions or wholesale dismissals. 'ljoat is the whole position. The public service is in the same position as a private firm, and many private firms have had to make dismissals. This was the statement of Hon. G. -Forbes, replying to-day to represen ta'timis made to him and the Labour Minister by a deputation representing all branches of the public service. Mr F orbes said he found no pleasure in doing what he had been doing in the last twelve months. Herecognised to the full the hardship and distress that had been caused and the difficult financial position in which many civil servants had been placed. He said he was not taking any exception to the representations which were being made to him, but the Government had to consider' how they were going to get through their present difficulties, without involving further disaster. There would have tobe further reductions in Government expenditure.