SCULLIN’S CHALLENGE TO BUDGET CRITICISM

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1034, 26 July 1930, Page 9

SCULLIN’S CHALLENGE TO BUDGET CRITICISM

WOULD FACE ELECTION DRASTIC: BUT ESSENTIAL United P.A.—By Telegraph—Copyright Reed. 10.5 a.m. CANBERRA, Today. In the course of a vigorous defence of the Budget in the House of Representatives the Prime Minister, Mr. J. H. Scullin, said he did not mind cor. structive criticism, but saw no justification for the wholesale condemnation recently heaped upon the Government by the Press and his opponents. If it could be substantiated that any of these charges were true, then hr would gladly hand over the reins of office to those who could undo the wrong which the Government had done. Mr. Scullin detailed a long list of economies already effected. He said he saw no reason for reducing the

salaries of either Parliament or pub lie servants. He assured the House that the Government was making a sincere attempt to bal ance the ledger, and at the same time to keep faith with the country's financial obliga-

tions at home and abroad. The Government’ had to face tho facts. It had taken drastic action to stop the drift, and had necessarily done some unpleasant things. It was determined to make further economies, and if necessary he would face the electors at any time. TIMBER DUTIES UP The Minister of Customs has announced a new schedule of duties on imported timbers. The rate on Oregon logs is increased from 5 per cent, to 30 per cent., and on undressed sawn, Oregon from 8s to 14s a hundred super feet. Slight increases are made on timber other than redwood or cedar. FREE TRADE IMPOSSIBLE AUSTRALIA’S VIEW EMPIRE PREFERENCE FAVOURED Reed. 10.10 a.m. LONDON, Tuesday: A prominent Australian business man. Mr. J. M. Paxton, told the "Morning Post” that Empire free trade was impossible as far as Australia was concerned, but he saw no reason why preferential trade within the Empire could not be developed for the mutual benefit of Britain and Australia. LOAN OVERSUBSCRIBED SYDNEY, Friday. The Commonwealth loan of £10,000,000 for public works has been over-subscribed by £IOO,OOO. The prospectus was issued on June 13 for the Commonwealth loan of £10,000,000 6 per cent, stock, redeemable on November 15, 1938, at par. The loan was issued on behalf of the Commonwealth and the States, the proceeds being required for public works and the redemption of maturing securities.