DOMINION FINANCE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 131, 26 January 1932, Page 5

DOMINION FINANCE

(Press. Assn.-

ECONOMY COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENT OF PERSONNEL AND SCOPE WITHIN DAY OR TWO WAGES AND UNEMPLOYMENT

-By Telegraph— Copyright).

WELLINGTON, Monday. The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, said to-day, that he was endeavouring to aceelerate the appointment of the special economy commission, as it was desired that memhers should have as much time as possible at their disposal before Parliament opens. He hopes to be able to announce the personnel and order of refenee in a day or so. Mr. Forbes made it plain that although the report of the commission would be of outstanding importance, the Government was not throwing the whole responsibility on to the commission. It was examining the position very closely and effecting all possible eeonomies. It is known the Government is not anxiqus to reduce wages and salaries/ but even this contingency may have to be faced if the revenue does not come up to expectations. The Government so far has not reached any decision on the question of salaries and. wages, and is concentrating on eeonomies. Another matter engaging the close attention of Ministers, and of Mr. Forbes in particular, is the exchange problem. Mr. Forbes has received a large number of telegraims from farmers' organisations in all parts of the cduntry protesting against the Government's action and calling for reeonsideration of the whole problem. Mr. Forbes said that representations would be considered by the Government. It is considered likely in political circles that the Government will find it necessary to increase the tax on wages and it is considered the whole unemployment relief scheme will be overhauled. In the meantime, the Government is shorthanded owing to the fact that no successor to Mr. D. Jones has been appointed, It is likely, however, that there will be a return to full strength withiii a day or so.