The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1933. CLOSING INCIDENTS .

Hokitika Guardian, 14 December 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1933. CLOSING INCIDENTS .

Ihe House is being stirred in its closing period with incidents of more than passing moment. The report of the Controller and Auditor-General reveals that that important officer has doubts regarding the. system under which the Treasury is recording the exchange liability, and there is a hint, also, that something of a scandal is to be revealed in the administration of Native Affairs. Naturally the report is in the most guarded terms, but for that very reason the Opposition will be right in probing the matter to the fullest. It is an unexpected aid to their own endeavours to discredit the Government before the country, and we may be sure the political atmosphere is now such that the most will be made of the position. The Minister of finance -.has indicated that all is well, though in respect to the-exchange accounts,-the experts in accountancy differ on the methods. The Minister of Native Affairs frankly placed himself in the hands of. Cabinet and indicated the difficulties his Department had to contend with under the economy scheme governing staffs. It it doubtless preferable that these important matters should he investigated by the Public Accounts Committee, If there is anything that needs adjustment, the recommendations from that quarter will do so ' in an orderly manner. In the heat of debate and cross fire in the House, members speaking without a full knowledge of the facts, might easily do the country as well as the Government harm. As the Controller

and Auditor Genera! I 3 to appear

i-ciore tile Committee, and the Treasury officials will he present also, the points in dispute "ill be unravelled, and the explanation given to Parliament. The cost of exchange remains an unknown quantity to the country.

Mr Coates has discounted some of the. '.more influential statements in regard to the matter, but the whole liability js not disclosed to general satisfaction. It would appear that as set out in the accounts for audit purposes, the Department is also in grave doubt of the trend of the position, and the very nature of the report suggests a. measure of alarm at the possible drift which may have later to be disclosed. Seemingly, therefore the present incident will assist to bring the matter to a head, with all the cards on the table the public will he able to form some opinion. The situation arising at the close of the session will be disturbing to the Government, and no- doubt every effort will be made to clear up the points for public enlightenment. Regarding the apparent waste, or worse, which has gone on in the Native Department under a supposed economic scheme of administration, not much can lie said at this juncture. ■Apparently the authorities are on the track of some irregularities, and ;it would -appear others will follow. There will be blame to be bornei by someone, which indicates a. lack of responsibility in the right quarter. This matter probably will be adjusted more directly than the exchange question, for it is apparent a degree of guilt will be sheeted home. The measure of blame to fall on the Department, or which mi gift be reflected on the Government, remains to be seen and no doubt Parliament in its wisdom after investigating the position, will take the proper course directed by the facts of the cases.