LISTENING IN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 188, 10 August 1936, Page 6

LISTENING IN.

It would be interesting to note how* many of the listeners to the Parliamentary debate broadcast would agree with my views—that it is conspicuous that the members of the Labour Government have consistent attacks of coughing (although we must allow for the winter malady), but it has been noticeable in every Parliamentary broadcast. During part of the time it was difficult, also impossible, to hear the Hon. J. G. Coates' voice, which was of introductory interest. Later, during the reply given by the Prime Minister, the Hon. M. J. Savage, these serious attacks of coughing took a decided turn for the better — and greatly to our advantage. It would seem that unless the broadcast debates can be carried out in a sporting spirit, then in the interests of all listeners, better they should not be given over the air until—say —the winter is over. However, we at least had the privilege of comparing the position of our country's affairs—firstly, in a business-like manner; secondly, as a nursery rhyme being told to the good, obedient little children who may yet require some of the soothing syrup to enable them to get over the teething process —before taking and digesting, our new legislation. A WOMA3T CRITIC.

As quite an unbiased listener I heard the debate broadcast between tlie Prime Minister and the Hon. J. G. Coates on the Budget. As a judge of debate, I would have declared Mr. Coates an easy winner on points. The Prime Minister evaded most of the important questions asked by Mr. Coates and contented himself in assuming a cynical air in answering the questions he did. In the matter of taxation lie said it was impossible to carry on social service without revenue from this source. «As Mr. Coates never suggested that it was possible, why this rather silly remark? What Mr. Coates did say was that the proposed increase of taxation in the Budget was excessive, and the company taxation was unjust to the small shareholders. Mr. Savage did not attempt to deny this. Being an honest man, he probably knew that he could not conscientiously do so. As a debater, Mr. Savage missed a chance of scoring off Mr. Coates by asking him why he, Mr. Coates, as Minister of Finance in the previous Government. had not altered the system of company taxation, which he now admits is unjust to the small investor. As his own Minister of Finance had increased the burden of taxation 011 the small shareholders, Mr. Savage probably thought he would be on dangerous ground in making any reference to it. But is this attitude quite fair? Mr. Coates said that the heavy taxation proposed 011 industry would be a great burden, in addition to the increased wages and shorter hours, and many companies would be unable to bear the strain. In replying, the Prime Minister said that the Government was out to assist industry in every way. However, he failed to mention one instance where this had been done. Up to the present his Government's policy bas been quite the reverse. Mr. Coates missed a chance by not pointing this out. A man who has been punched on the nose gets small satisfaction from the assurance of the aggressor that lie has his sympathy. FAIR GO.