GOVERNMENT’S PLANS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 23, 7 November 1938, Page 6

GOVERNMENT’S PLANS.

EXPANSION OF PRODUCTION. ■ “MILLENIUM NOT ROUND CORNER,” (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, November 5. An outline of the Government’s immediate plans was given by the Prime Minister (Mr M. J. Savage) in an interview to-day. The first thing they had to do was to establish themselves where they were. That was to consolidate their position. “We want to make it-quite clear to those who have money to invest that our job is to see that it is not being driven overseas,” he said, “that is a pure economic problem. It is not a question of politics, or of advanced ideas. It is just a plain fact.” The Prime Minister never did believe the millenium was just around the corner. They had moved carefully in order to see where the next step was going to land them and unless they did that it was more ahead. They could not afford to take chances lightly.

Mr Savage emphasised that there was room for expansion in production in New Zealand. Everywhere people had to have opportunities to produce more in respect both of primary and secondary industries.

“AA 7 e have to have a better balance in production,” he said. “Up to the present time wo have not made the progress necessary to keep ourselves properly balanced financially and economically.”

The Prime Minister said definitely that no Government would interfere when things .were running smoothly and economically in industry. It was only when they were not running smoothly that the Government should be asked to step in and give assistance. It must be remembered that •every time the Government stepped in it increased its liability. The Government would face up to any legislation required without fear and the ground would be properly surveyed before any legislation was attempted.