The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times TUESDAY. APRIL 26, 1932. EXPENDITURE ADJUSTMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times TUESDAY. APRIL 26, 1932. EXPENDITURE ADJUSTMENT

The fight in Parliament over the Expenditure Adjustment Bill has not been very edifying so far ns the tactics of tile Opposition and this temporary auxiliaries have been concerned. I lie measure was designed to meet an extraordinary situation. There was a huge- deficit, in sight, due to the marked falling off in national revenue. Economies and savings were mituraily prompted as the first neev ftssary action, and the tjovorumont took un the unpleasant tardt. In the matter of economies, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance both explained that the Government aimed at equality of sacrifice as far ns such were possible. To that enci tlie measure spread the savings as widely as possible, and brought nil possible into the net. They dealt with wages and salaries and with rends and interest so far as internal borrowing was concerned. It was ail a means towards an end, to save the financial credit—that is, not to empty the Treasury by a scale of expenditure that the revenue did not permit. This wholesale method of treatment naturally touched many so-called sacred spots. The pension payments for instance, education, hospitals etc., all had their champions who could give reason upon reason why they should not he touched ; but when the Treasury lid was uplifted, and the lac-k of shekels were realised. it might he expected clear minded men would understand the position. Naturally the results of the economic,s may be expected to have results other than those contemplated. Mortgage investment and house-building for rent income will he checked til! things right themselves, or mortgages at old rates will be greatly depreciated, and it is a question for conjecture which would he the worse for the lender. But this financial storm will pass if the people will onlv co-operate in the real effort intended to lessen its effect. And there is the other v-'ide, while savings are being made. taxation i,s being- involved, and though this is necessary, its effect, on the general situation is far more harmful than a percentage reduction of wages. Hut with the national income falling, it is still more necessary than ever to take from him that has, in order Hint the whole may survive. When the trend of the. policy of the Government is in such a direction, it is plain no section of the community is lining favoured. Vet with nil this nlii jn I v manilT.-t I lie Labour I'.irtv Inis maintained mi uneomprniiibsjinjr attack mi the measure. At no stage lid Labour offer a reasonable attitude. Kuril and nil of liie proj>i;miL were nnjtosed, and Lie business of (hi-- run nl ry In id up iindulv in the light of Hie hue position. Tin* proceeding-’ have no| lirmi edifying. e.- I cent mi far ns : iibn-.il i v how Labour

if in oilin' is iiri'pni'oil to imitate I In’ |llllirV ol' till' iillllU < im'( , !llim” I vloi'li Inis wrecked tho Hun mi's ol' New South Vi’nli's. mikl lii'oiiolit (In Mother St'ile into I !i" ofi'i,li'.si i i: 1 1«• 1 1 ;; I. ■«’ Yv- 1111 111 I,VS U j I 11 Ill'll le ill I Ills i-ouilrv. exlii-. n • -.I;11io'i I:. I • himiht;iiiii'd ; 11 I lie ! li . l l I wl of I Ii.■ |Uis| , mill I lie. (dlllilioll to" 'III nil'll ( IS 111 t ('III |ll i lie fo achieve l;Ii. ih ii I !. 11 I- not I i i he , i eili i of ! if cunn 11 \ in finl l I he tv, hi mieiiti"! eC . Is 111 I lie Ministers ■liei keil :> llii'.v live heeil. I.liouvli tin 1 ■ |e, toi s Ini v,■ eiveii mi 11111 1 oi1 1 1 1 1■ 1 1 man-

date to the Government to put through the policy it deems noee*sary for the countrv’s rehabilitation.