8.—6,

36

That completes my statement of the finances for the current year, and I have to thank honourable members for a patient hearing. The Government's proposals for meeting the serious financial position with which we are faced may appear to be a formidable list of items, but it is considered that the additional burdens will be more evenly distributed and the retarding effect upon economic recovery minimized by spreading the increase over a number of items under both direct and indirect taxation. In order that this Dominion should maintain its credit on the world's moneymarket, the Government would be failing in its duty to the country if it did not bring down proposals to balance the Budget. The principal cause of most of our present troubles —falling prices in the world's markets —lies beyond our control. We have surmounted similar difficulties in the past, and it is with confidence that I appeal to members of this House and to all sections of the community resolutely to accord the Government solid support and co-operation in the necessary solution of the problem. This Dominion's natural resources, its favoured climate, and the energy of its people are such that, given the exercise of reasonable care, it should not be long before our present difficulties are behind us and the Dominion is again able to enjoy more prosperous times.

Conclusion,