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Hokitika Guardian, 14 March 1932, Page 4

The further particular* available of the details of the Economy Commission’s report, indicate that in me brief period at their disposal, a great deal of ground has been covered. Doubtless the heads of Departments would have much detail available as a result of the probing by the Government into possicle economics, and that information would facilitate proceedings considerably The desire tor all round sacrifice is apparent in the sweeping proposals covering pensions and subsidies. The reference to- these need not he any surprise, because the Minister of Finance * referred to tne necessity for some such action as a present possibility. Also, it will be recalled Labour candidates made the

most of the position by endeavouring to scare the electors with what the Government would do with pensions! Now an indepenednt enquiry has re' vealed the necessity for the action as part of a general scheme of sacrifice to help pull the country through, its difficulties. Labour will be able to say to the people “we told .you sop' but there is not any ' alternative suggestion to as adequately . meet the position by some more equitable action, It ie a pity there is this necessity for drastic action all round) but the country has to make good for the good times of the past. It was easy to be liberal where Governments could go on the market regularly for borrowed money to prop up the position. Revenue was freer and larger alro in these days, and the country went ahead unmindful and unprepared for the rainy day. The cloud has burst, and the deluge is on. and the responsibility is on the political leaders to save the country from the disaster. They may not borrow freely; they have tax.ed freely ; and now the remaining alternative is to save, and to economise so as to help square the nation’s accounts and maintain the good name of the past. Difficult times are here and are not going to pass away quickly. There must be the greatest forethought for the present and the immediate future if the good name of New Zealand is to be maintained, and for that reason the Government has a serious and admittedly difficult task to perform, but it is in tbe interests of all, the job must be done, however, unpleasant it may be at this present time.