OF GREAT SERVICE

Hokitika Guardian, 1 November 1932, Page 7

OF GREAT SERVICE

NATIONAL COMMISSION’S WORK PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT WELLINGTON, October 29. ‘I want to, say a word in defence' of the members of the National Expenditure Commission,” said the Prime Minister, Right Hon. G. W. For lias, when replying to the representations of a deputation that waited upon him yesterday morning. Mr Forbes said that .the Commission had had a distasteful task, and although it might not be possible to give effect to all its recommendations, or even agree with them, the Commission had done a great service to the ratepayers. Mr Forbes said that no members of the Commission had been keen to undertake, the investigation they were asked to make. The Commission had been informed that it was free to express its views on the Government 01 any State department. The members of the Commission were informed that they were representing the taxpayers. He recognised that at a time like the present the taxpayers had a right to know that the money collected from them in taxation was expended to the best advantage. The Commission had been pretty candid, and as a result had come in for a great deal of abuse. It might not be possible to follow some of its recommendations, but nevertheless it had done a great service to the taxpayers.

The support of public men in the adjusting of the public finances was sought by Mr Forbes. When carrying out economies, he said, the Government wanted the backing of men who took ?: responsible view of the country's affairs. That was necessary if the Dominion were to emerge from its difficulties. As p farmer he knew that the position of the farmers was desperate. Many other people were also in dire straits. It was the duty of all public men to administer finances under their control in the soundest/ possible woy. The cutting of expenditure was a verv distasteful task, but all presont would realise the necessity for it. So for the Government was concerned, it would make every efioit to reduce expenditure so as to make it possible to reduce the demands on the taxpayer.