LIBERAL LEADER ON THE BUDGET

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 271, 10 August 1920, Page 4

LIBERAL LEADER ON THE BUDGET

: 4 AN AUCKLAND INTERVIEW.-

.By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, August 9. Tne Hon. W. I). S. MacDonnld, interviewed, said:—"The Financial Statement puts forward no comprehensive schenm for grappling with tho heavy load of debt we have to carry or for the raising of revenue on n 6cnle corresponding with our needs. It bliows no breadth of outlook or foresight in regard to future contingencies. The weakest feature is Mr. Massoy's proposal to refer such questions as land and income tax, death duties, and the tariff to a Special Committee. What Parliament and the country were most anxious to hear from Mr. Massey was what new sources of revenue he meant to draw upon; how he proposed to adjust the burden of additional taxation so clearly necessary. Mr. Massey has 6imply refused to face the question of taxation, and sheltered himsplt behind this committee. He has, 'in fact, told Parliament and the people that in regard to what must bo by far the most important feature of the Government's financial policy be would rathci not take tho risk of striking out a lino for himself, but would prefer to throw the responsibility on other people. This is not a course "that we have a right to expect from the Prime Minister or a Government with any claim to be considered practical or resourceful or statesmanlike."