“COLD CRITICISM”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 670, 23 May 1929, Page 6

“COLD CRITICISM”

ECONOMIC POSITION INVESTIGATION SOUGHT The need for "cold criticism” from outside experts was urged when a remit suggesting investigation into State and local body debt came forward. Tf'ROM Waikato came a remit saying that, in view of the huge and rapidly-growing State and local body debt, the conference should call upon the Government to set up an impartial commission of economic experts to fully investigate and recommend economies. Mr. R. H. Feisst, in moving, said that it was not generally believed that the money was being expended in entirely the best interests. “Olir railways have been put down, but at what a cost,” he said. “An investigation of this sort, carried out by experts from outside, must bring valuable knowledge. It would be well worth' several thousands to have cold criticism and impartial views from outside experts. “One question I ask is whether it is wise to spend huge sums on a bridge over the Auckland Harbour when production Is in the balance. This is no opposition against the need for a bridge. I am merely giving an illustration of what I mean.” Mr. H. L. Watkins seconded and referred to high State and local body debts. The remit was carried. TAXATION REMITS A remit from Waikato Sub-Province, that the principle of taxing the divisible surplus of companies should be abolished, was carried. Another remit from the Waikato Sub-province, that tbe conference should strongly protest against the j policy of reducing income taxation j while the Customs duties remain high, j was carried.