WELLINGTON TOPICS.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 9 August 1917, Page 5

WELLINGTON TOPICS.

' TH efinancial debate

INDEPENDENT CRITICISM ' (Special Correspondent.) V WELLINGTON, August 8

The financial debate was opened in the House last night in the usual and accepted way, Mr Wilford filling the role of leader of a friendly Opposition, and budding Ministers of Finance following with obvious and appropriate criticism. Necessarily the speeches were much on the lines of those delivered during the course of the Address-in-Reply debate, but hut- both the member for Hutt and Mr Sidey stressed afresh the imporance of the Government doing something to stay the further increase in the cost of living. Mr Wilford prayed for the appearance of Kerensky in the councils of the nation with insight and courage and enterprise enough to see that the poorer classes were relieved of some of the burdens that were being piled upon them and the richer classes compelled to take up more of the responsibilities it \>?as escaping. The member for Hutt, he speaks interestingly and logically rarely arouses much enthusiasm in the House, but on this occasion his remarks were punctuated by hearty hear-hears, which evidently intended to signify approval. THE COST OF LIVING Mr Sidey and Mr T. W. Rhodes, speaking from opposite sides of the House, warmly supported Mr Wilford in his protest against the Government’s failure to deal more energetic- ’ ally with the cost of living problem, and this note, udging from lobby gossip, seems likely to be emphasised ey subsequent speakers. The duty on tea is being condemned all round and may encounter, some organised opposition when the taxing legislation is before the House. Of course the insidious cigarette has no friends among the members, but just now the additional duty placed upon this peril to the youth of the community is being used by some of them as an illustration of what will happen in the case of tea. The further duty placed on cigarettes amounts to something like a farthing on the packet of ten, but the retailers, who have so far, paid no extra duty at all, are already charging sevenpence a packet in place of the former sixpence. If the grocers follow this example, the politicians point .out, tea will go up a shil- ' ling a pound, and of the shilling three pence will go towards winning the war and ninepence into the pocket of the retailer. THE GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE. The Government’s attitude towards criticism of the kind was indicated by the speeches of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance during the debate on the Address-in-Re-ply and by interjections that came from them last night. Neither Mr. Massey nor Sir Joseph Ward are inclined to try experiments in borrowing or in taxation during the present crisis, when the money market is extremely sensitive and the sources of revenue are being strained to meet the growing cost of the war. Bur many members of the House, without regard to party, are urging that the Government could take effective measures to prevent the continued advance in the cost of living without endangering its own finance in any way. It is understood that the much malinged Board of Trade made comprehensive recommendations in this

direction months ago, and it is hoped that these recommendations, though Ahey now can -have only an academic ="%alue, will be laid on the table of the House during the present session. It is a subject on which quite a number of members, perhaps in view of the possibility of an early general election, are talking very loudly. REINFORCTMENTS

Persistent criticism, and perhaps a little misrepresentation, has induced the Minister of Defence to make a statement concerning the New Zealand Army at the front which will set many irresponsible rumours at rest. It is plain now that Sir James Allen’s worst . offence has been his abounding zeal to keep faith with the Imperial authorities in regard to the supply of Reinforcements. He has not been content simply to do better than Australia and Canada have done —he has insisted upon doing as well as the Dominion promised to do. Now the critics know the facts, as far as they can be disclosed, probably they will deal less harshly with the Minister. Everyone will welcome the announcement. that as many as can be spared of the men who went away with the Main Body will be allowed a brief respite on furlough In this country, although it must carry the inference' that the authorities do not

expect the war to end this year, and •tjft&re relying upon New Zealand and other overseas Dominions for generous assistance in the supreme effort that will be necessary at the beginning .of the next northern spring.