ALBERTA FINANCE

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20958, 10 November 1939, Page 7

ALBERTA FINANCE

SUBSTANTIAL ACHIEVEMENTS COMPARISONS WITH DOMINION SOCIAL CREDIT VIEWPOINT “ With farmers and businessmen holding protest meetings all over the country, it is more than ever our duty to draw attention to the fact that much of the present economic stress and strain is quite unnecessary in a country like New Zealand,” said Mr R. G. Young, of Gordonton, when presiding over the monthly meeting of the Hamilton District Council of the Douglas Social Credit Movement last night. There was a good attendance, all branches being represented except one. Continuing, Mr Young said that New Zealand was uniquely favoured if the Government would but take the initiative. “In Alberta the Government has no Reserve Bank and no control over customs or the export and import trade. Yet, although much of their legislation has been frustrated by the Canadian Federal Government they have, by opening more than 400 Treasury branches, not only removed their previous sales tax but also are giving a bonus of 3 per cent, on sales of locally manufactured goods,” said Mr Young. Taxation had been reduced by 43 per cent and 1,715,000 dollars paid off the National Debt. On August 1 the Hon. W. A. Fallow, Minister of Public Works, announced the completion of the new main highway between Edmonton and the United States border, 400 miles. This had been paid for by Treasury vouchers, so that there would be no debt and no interest for posterity to pay. “ I wonder what Mr Semple would say co that,” commented Mr Young. In view of the fact that the New Zealand Government now had full control over the Reserve Bank and its import and export trade, several delegates considered that even greater progress could be made here than in Alberta. It was resolved to acquaint various members of Parliament and Ministers with what was being accomplished in the Canadian province. Central Exhibition Stall It was also resolved to support financially the movement’s stall at the Centennial Exhibition. A special committee was set up to raise the necessary funds.