The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Time*. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1933. PARLIAMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 November 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Time*. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1933. PARLIAMENT.

Last weok'tho proceedings in Parliament rose above the usual somnolent level, and there were events which stirred the interests of the House, if not ol the country. The devastating criticism of the Budget in so.far as it referred to the cost of exchange to the country, by the HOll. Downie Stewart, was an event of outstanding importance. It will be recalled that Mr Stewart severed his connection with the Ministry as his protest :against raising the exchange* so that it is not surprising he should review ,the present position with some regard to his own action. In particular he considers Mr Coates’ estimate of the probable; deficit at the end of the financal year, as being well understated Mr Stewart estimates the deficiency at nearer five millions than two millions, the increased amount being considered a conservative estimate. Since then from another quarter there is a report that the deficit,,will exceed six millions. It is suggested the full particulars have not been placed before the country, and the reply by Mr Coates will be awaited with interest, not to say concern. The Budget would be compiled by responsible officers of the State with full access to all aspects of the position, and it is not’to be expected that a serious mistake could be made, nor that the country would, be misled deliberately. Apart from this episode, the Reserve Bank Bill went through the second reading in the Upper House unscathed. Only four votes wove recorded against the measure, three of whom were Ministers (two intimates of Mr Coates) and one Labour representative. The criticism of the bill in the Upper House was mild generally. Another event was Mr A. M. Samuel’s final decision to become an Independent—a change he lias been contemplating for some time. This defection and others reduce the assured strength of the Government but not to danger point. Mr Samuel’s change over is attributed to the alleged lack of policy for dealing with unemployment. This is a.frequent challenge, but'the Government is not idle and is endeavouring to stem the ad verse tide which is not singular to New Zealand. But at least a very large expenditure is being undertaken though few will agree that it is to the wisest end. Unless prosperity returns, it would appear the country can adopt only palliatives, for essential markets cannot be controlled, and the flow of money to the country he revived. At the same time, the fullonus for failure cannot be laid at the door of the Government. In some cases there is an inadequate response by registered unemployed to schemes put forward. In this district not enough men are available for the mining work which in the event of a find, is destined to lift tne district ahead substantially. Track works if remote from centres, are not undertaken readily- 1 There is a disposition t 0 remain about the towns and enjoy the amenities of the daily round. All the the blame is, therefore, not attachable to the Government which lias moved very comprehensively to cope with the position. .Mr Samuel * considers the Government is acting in a negative way, but it has taken positive action in empowering a Board to deal with the recovery, at the some time seeing that a very substantial sum is available for the purpose. The adequacy of that amount is for the people who contribute the money to determine, and there is the general feeling current that in the provision of money by direct and indirect taxation, the Government has gone as far as is reasonable. The Budget’debate this week should be carried to conclusion by a clear statement from the responsible M : ’lister to remove false impressions arising from Mr Stewart’s criticism.