PUBLIC EXPENSE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 27 July 1929, Page 11

PUBLIC EXPENSE

FARMERS’ VIEWPOINT The opinion that the time was opportune for a reduction in in New Zealand was voiced at the New Zealand I r armtu;s\Union conference yesterday, when Auckland delegates moved tho following: “That in view cf the huge and rapidly-growing State and local body debt, this conference calls' upon the Government immediately to set up a,n (impartial commission of economic experts to investigate fully and 'recommend economies.” Mr A. N. Mucky (Auckland) said in his opinion a commission along the lines of the remit was the only possible solution. Mr F. S. Brown (Gisborne) referred to. the making of harbours on the East Coast within a short distance of each other, and said that had the ports been connected hy rail the money so saved would have paid for the railway. Mr R. H. Fcisst (Auckland) said that what was required from loan expenditure was probable, and not possible, results. Mr Dicker opposed tho remit, and said that there were restriction’s at present. They should urge upon . the Government tho necessity of exercising more economy in public expenditure. Mr J. H. 1 Joll (Hawkes Bay) moved as an amendment, “That in view of the rapidly-growing Slate and local body debt, this conference calls upon the Government and local bodies to investigate thoroughly their methods of expenditure with th.e view of materially reducing taxation.” He poipted out that the politicians were not alone responsible for the position, which was brought about hy tlie public themselves. Mr J. Cocker (South Taranaki) seconded the amendment, which was carried.

“Why arc you so late?” inquired the teacher of one of her pupils. “Father wanted me at home,”' was the reply. “Wouldn’t, someone els c have done"'” “No,” said the boy, shaking his head emphatically, “ ’cos he was giving me a spanking.”