A NOTE OF WARNING.

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 48, 25 August 1923, Page 7

A NOTE OF WARNING.

I would like hon. members to think of the possibilities of the fanners 'at the present moment," remarked the Prims, Minister (the Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey) in the House of Representatives last night, replying to -members who Urged a larger vote for school buildings on the Education Department Estimates. "'I have heard grumblings from members, about the amounts being borrowed for' different purposes," he said, "and • the pessimistic predictions, as to where this borrowing is leading us to. But a change has now come .overthe spirit of the'scene* Members should think tilings over fw "tfcemselv.es.- '■ Ike

Finance Bill pawed the other d»y involves a loan of about £7,000,000." Mr. Wilford : "Over £8,000,000." Mr. Massey : "Very well. We require a lot of money besides that. What about those hooses the member for * Avon was talking about the other day?"

Mr. -A. L. Monteith (Wellington East): "What about the. rebate in taxation?" ■ "*

* "Taxation has nothing to do with this," replied Mr. Maseey. "This is capital expenditure." Mr. Monteith : "Your/ friends sot that." .. - '-' • / ■ "- ■.

Mr. Massey t "I call attention, ■: Mr. Chan-man, to the rude interjection of tne_ member for Wellington East." "• _The Prime Minister said-that during the earlier part of the session he had been pressed for more money for housing, and he had provided it. He simply could npt find- any more money at the present time. A sum of £TOO,OOU Pel' month was being advanced' for buildings and loans to workers and Bettiers, and judging by present appearances the expenditure in those directions alone would be £5,0001)00. There were other essential works/ including liydro-electric development, to be taken into account. If he was to raise more money a boom, and another burst would occur, and no one wanted that to hap- \ Pen He was inclined to think the expenditure was being kept within reasonable limits, and that plenty of money: was being found at the present time to meet requirements. _ "We. ought- to go very carefully so far as expenditure of public moneys is concerned," concluded Mr. Massey