DEBATE ON THE BUDGET,

Grey River Argus, 25 August 1917, Page 3

DEBATE ON THE BUDGET,

TOO MANY REINFORCEMENTS,

J The debate on the Budget was rej sinned by Mr. H. J. H. Okey who complained that the Minister "of Defence was sending more reinforcements than we required. These men could have \i-cn better employed on farms in the Dominion. He questioned the wisdom of bringing the Main Body back, as tlie risk was great. It would "be .better to let them have a good time in England which would provide as good a holiday at less cost. He generally .supported the proposals of the Budget including the tax on tea, but the:tax&lion ou companies was unduly .severe. INACTION OF GOVERNMENT; Mr. A. H. Hindniaa'sh denounced the inaction of- -.the ••■■'Government in regard to reducing the cost of living. ~He proceeded to deal with me rent question in Wellington as an example of .the ■manner 'in.' which tenants, many of them soldiers' wives were being exploited. The speaker then proceeded to deal with land agreggration -in lhvwke's Bay. The speaker also urged generous financial assistance to state schools after the war. Tho education of the children was being seriously handicapped by lack of funds. The House rost at '5.30 p.m.