The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1932. THE PRIME MINISTER.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1932. THE PRIME MINISTER.

In the final phase of the National Expenditure Adjustment Bill before the House on Friday last, Mr Forbes, Prime Minister made a notable speecn. in the course of Ills 'remarks -Ur

Forbes, in replying to the debate on the third reading, said “the Government wa,s entitled credit for the manner in which it had tackled fixed

charges, with the object of aiforcupg relief to those who sore.y neetlou it. No other Government had tackled’ the situation in the manner this country had done, ami he felt sure that tiie effect’ would be noticeable througnous the. whole community. The benefits would he felt by everyone. Mr Forties accused' the Opposition of having made political capital out of the difficult task which the Government had' had to tackle. It. had had to do unpleasant tilings, but they had been absolutely necessary for the welfare of the country. There had been statements that tho members of th Government party bad voted against their pledges. The Prime Minister stated he took off his hat to men who had stood by the Party when it was doing what was best in the interests of the whole Country. It was only the realisation of the stern necessity that had’ compelled the Government to adopt measures, which had been passed by the House. Members had responded to the call. If they had not responded, they would not have been men, npd they would 'not have been New Zealanders. It is interesting to note that Mr Forbes was cheered vigorously by the House at the conclusion of his sneocli. Probably it would bo fitting to say here, “hats off to Mr Forbes,” for the Prime Minister has performed his task with courage and resource. No one, as he said, earlier in the several debates on the Bill, liked the measure, blit when necessity prompted the action, it was his duty to perform it. The country appears slow to realise the import of the financial position. The latest open indication of the state of affairs was Mr Downie Stewart’s admission that the Government had to rely on the Banks to carry on the administration of the, country. This is akin to the businessman who works oh an overdraft, but he has to have securities pledged, and may not go beyond the limit of his credit. The Banks have securities for the, advances made to the Government, hut such securities on which the latest accommodation has been provided, are not readily realisable. When the country lias to use these frozen credits it is clear that the, means of securing further money is very limited. It is because of that tightness that the Government is forced to economise. It ha® been made plain that oven with the help of the Banks, the economies already approved, will not balance the Budget this year. There is an estimated deficit and to provide, for that contingency, the Banks are helping the country’s finance, in the jineantime, Were that relief not possible further taxation equal ,to the amount required, would have to be levied. All this clearly indicates 1 the plight of New Zealand, and the ordinary individual might be expected to comprehend the need for the safeguarding legislation Mr Forbes has piloted so successfully through the Lower House. When we find the plight of the country suen u» it is, it re ridiculous for the critics ot the Government to demand • the restoration of the cuts. It was to save who’erale sacking in the public service that the Government resorted to the, cuts, hut they are receiving little thanks. No Minister would tackle unpleasant tusks unless convinced of their necessity in tbe public nitei osis, and for that reason, Mr Forbes is entitled to both credit and thanks for his self sacrificing adherence to duty.