ON THE HUSTINGS

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 17 October 1925, Page 8

ON THE HUSTINGS

EGMONT ELECTORATE.

NATIONALIST CAUSE ■ URGED,

SUPPORT TO MR. GREEN SOLICITED. APPEAL BY MR. W. A. VEITCH. At well-attended meetings held yesterday at Eltham, Kaponga and Kapnni addresses urging the Nationalist cause were delivered, by Mr. W. A. Vcitch, of Wanganui, who appealed for support to Mr. W. k. Green, the party candidate contesting the Egmont seat. The speaker was accompanied by Mr. Green who, however, intimated that his own addresses to the electors of these particular portions of the constituency were being reserved for subsequent dates. , rn The attendance at the Eltham Town Hall, where shortly after 8 p.m. Mr. Vcitch commenced the third of the addresses lie delivered yesterday, numbered approximately 250. The Mayor of Eltham (Mr. I. J. Bridger) presided. In introducing Mr. Veitch, the chairman said the occasion marked the first appearance of the former on the public platform at Eltham. Mr. Bridger intimated' he had no doubt that Mr. Vcitch during his 14 years in Parliament had given good service to his constituency and party, and appealed to the audience to accord the usual courteous attention. Mr. Vcitch said he felt sure his auditors would agree that at the present juncture politics bore more important, more responsible, and more serious aspects than ever before in the history of the Dominipn. The shock and anxiety consequent upon the recent world war had thrown politics out of balance the world over. Many of the difficulties which had come in the wake of that upheaval had been surmounted, but there were still many great problems to be solved, and it behoved every elector and politician irrespective of personal aims or party ambitious to exercise sound judgment in the endeavour to reach the best possible solution of the many questions of national importance which had to be faced. It was in this spirit that he wished to appeal to his audience.

PARTY SYSTEM DEPRECATED. Xn various parts of the world, the speaker Contended, the party system of government had been over-developed. This was strikingly illustrated at present in New Zealand, where three parties existed in Parliament, the number being one too many. The party he represented had been referred ,to as a back number and a defunct organisation by certain scathing critics. Those counsellors wished the public to believe that the party was dead, but such reasoning was amusing, in view of the fact that the electors were being constantly advised to bury the corpse as deeply as possible iu order to guard -against its resuscitation and the possibility of it being permitted to again assume control of the country’s affairs. The party, he wished to emphasise, was by no means dead, and,its representatives, if given the opportunity by the (‘lectors, .were determined to carry on with the principles established by their predecessors. Their opponents wished the electors to believe that the Nationalists had no policy, but the speaker wished to affirm that "they had one based on sane measures aiming at the institution of government on the lines of sound economic administration, which would deal out equal handed justice and operate not merely in the interests of a particular section or party, but would give the greatest possible benefit to the whole of the community. ADVENT OF THE NATIONALISTS. Tracing the events which led up to the formation of the National Party, Mr. A’eiteh. said that when the recent negotiations had been opened for the fusion of the Liberal and Reform Parties, the Prime Minister had intimated that as there were no important matters of policy at issue between the Government and Opposition Parties they might as well pull together. After, however, according to the speaker, the Liberals had made every possible concession compatible with honour, the propose,d amalgamation had broken down because the Prime Minister had then discovered differences which rendered it impracticable. During the progress of the negotiations he contended that the Liberals had been willing to make personal sacrifices, but that the Government had been responsible for the difficulties raised.

A suggestion had been made that a National Party should be formed which would govern in accordance with National principles. The Liberals had agreed to that, believing that the threeparty system was retarding desired administration. New Zealand was making such rapid progress that difficulty was experienced in keeping pace with the advancement, but quarrelling among themselves would not help the situation. As the Government would not combine with them the Liberals had therefore been perfectly reasonable in deciding to themselves form the required National Party. Instancing the inability of the Government to deal with many of the more important problems of the day, Mr. Veitch cited the Bills of minor significance which he stressed were the only kind of measures which had been xmlon the statute book during the last session of Parliament.

Reverting to tl)0 reason for the formation of the new party, he wished to impress ux>on his audience that the Liberals had realised there was never before a time when Great Britain was so sorely in need of the co-operation of the Empire to meet the demands upon its economic resources and of strength in presenting a united front to combat the forces aiming at ideals which meant the wreckage of the constitution. Realising this together with the character of the people of New Zealand, and the Dominion’s great wealth and possibilities, the party the speaker represented was endeavouring to take such measures as would ensure the functioning of Parliament in the best interest of the country and the preservation of the constitution. They wished the whole of the community to have a share in the constitution. EFFECTS BY ARBITRATION. They wished To see all labour disputes submitted- to and settled bv arbitration, and through the Arbitration Court it was hoped to raise the standard of living of the workers of the country. A X>roposed improvement in this, connection was to give the Arbitration Court the power to watch the operations of trusts and profiteers in order to prevent unwarranted increases in the cost of living, it being recognised that any increase in wages would confer no bene-

lit to the workers if exploitation was allowed by those controlling the necessities of life.

Another much-needed reform was contained in the proposal to make provision for the more expeditious raising of wages i'll the various industries when such action was deemed necessary by the court. CHEAPER MANURES. Assistance to. the farming community was a principle which was endorsed by the National Party, continued Mr. Vcitch, who said he had always regarded the farmer as the man who primarily produced the wealth which went to supply the needs of the other people of the country,' and it was recognised that help given in this connection had its reflex in the prosperity of residents of urban areas. The National Party applauded the Government for its action in providing for the supply of manures from Nauru Island, but despite the Government’s efforts he considered that the farmer was paying too high a price for the product. The scheme was doomed to failure unless big quantities could bo made available at reasonable costs, and unless private enterprise proved able to do this on a better basis to the user than at present, the party would advocate the establishment of State controlled works. These would hot be required to show large profits, but merely a margin sufficient to cover operating expenses. As a .result it would be possible to supply all demands at a comparatively cheap rate, and the encouragement thus offered to farmers to improve their land would have a desirable influence in adding to its producing power and the prosperity of the country. FINANCE TO FARMERS. “Farmers have not been able to secure required finance on favourable terms,” said Mr. Veitch in introducing the subject of the proposed agricultural bank. ’ One of the greatest sources of anxiety which at present confronted the young settler was the necessity for the renewal of mortgages every few years. In the establishment of the system of agricultural banking the Nationalists had a remedy which it was hoped would solve this problem to a very great extent. They had given careful consideration to the scheme for a considerable number of years and were convinced that it would go a long way towards relieving the man on the land of his financial difficulties. Under the system the farmer would borrow for terms of 25 years, and with his capital ensured for that period would have less anxiety to contend with and consequent greater encouragement to strive for the best jmssible results from his land. This would naturally tend to an increase in production. According to the present policy of the Reform Party, it provided for ‘ ‘ investigation into farmers’ banks.’’ The Nationalists, oh the other hand, had been making these investigations for the past five years. They were convinced, by the results of successful operations in other countries, of the merits of the scheme and were prepared, if given the opportunity, to make immediate provision for its adoption in Now Zealand, whereas the Reformers who had had ample time for inquiry, were only now making investigations and had appointed a travelling commission at an estimated cost of £SOOO. There had never yet been a failure of an agricultural bartk wherever tried, and their operation had proved of inestimable value in other parts of the world to those engaged in agricultural pursuits. TAXATION QUESTION.

During further criticism of the Re-‘ form x>olicy, Mr Veitch drew attention to its x>roposal to have a “thorough examination into the incidence of taxation.” This, Mr Vcitch averred, had been repeatedly promised by the Reform Party, but its fulfilment seemed as far off as ever. The Nationalists said that, the chief difficulty regarding taxation was that while, as promised, the Government had reduced income tax, it had allowed customs duty to be increased. This meant that the burden was imposed on people least able to bear taxation and presented an aspect of the question which the, Nationalists wished to 1 revise so that the rich man would be called upon to contribute according to his means and the poor man would be relieved. Company taxation was a further matter requiring revision. Seventy-eight per cent of the total income tax was at present paid by companies, and as most of these were doing business with the general public, the bulk of this taxation was simply passed on to the consumers of the particular product placed on the market, the effect being the same as if customs duty were paid. If, however, the tax was levied on the dividends paid by the companies, those in a better position to bear tli e . load of taxation would be compelled to pay it.

LACK OF CONSIDERATION . ALLEGED. In stressing further what he considered showed a lack of careful consideration on the part of the Government, the sx>eaker criticised the exemption of racing clubs from taxation, while at the same time an increase had been made in the rate of interest charged by the State Advances Department. He also mentioned-, the Rangataiki swamp, upon which £510,.000 had been expended. Consequently the rating had been so heavy that the settlers affected had been unable to pay it, hnd at the last session it had been necessary to write off £305,000 of the amount. The speaker did not object to tlie amount being written off, as it was necessary to give, relief, but the fact that such action had been necessary indicated that greater care# was required in supervising the expenditure of the people’s money. Giving further emphasis to this point, Mr Veitch stated’ that .the Ministers of the Crown controlled operations involving the sum of approximately £100,000,000 of the peoi>le’s money, which was vested in various enterprises, and the Nationalists considered' that the control of expenditure in the various Government departments should be administered by committees directly responsible. to Parliament. BALANCE OF TRADE. Tliei difference between the value of exports and imports was not great enough, continued Air Veitch. One avenue for overcoming this lay in the fuller development of hvdro-eleetric power resources. By making power more widely available at cheap rates in rural areas, greater production among primary industries would be fostered, and there, was also scope for its use in developing secondary industries. If, for instance, wool scouring and topmaking could; be established extensively a big saving would; be effected in the freights at present paid on the waste products in wool, and l it would be quite reasonable to expect the export value to be doubled. This would have a desirable effect on the balance of trade, and the wealth thus created would tend to lessen the necessity for such extensive borrowing as at present. Also that wealth would be tax bearing, the effect of which would tend to lessen the burden now placed on the farmer.

“NEW FOE ALL.” “Wo want a. National Party.formed, witli national ideals of service and duty,” said' Mr Veitcli in a final appeal for support to tlie new party throughout the Dominion aud to the candidature of Mr Green in the Eg* mont electorate. He asked his audience to believe that the Nationalises would honestly endeavour to put an selfish interests aside, to break down party and class prejudices, and to advance sound, economic, progressive legislation such as would reflect to the credit of the Dominion and) the Empue. The Slogan of the Nationalists was “All for New Zealand, and New land for all!”

QUESTIONS. Answering a question concerning the housing shortage, Mr. \eitch sard tl Nationalist Party realised the problem had become very acute, and it would provide for a definite and industrious building scheme to be effected as expeditiously as possible. Replying to a further inquiry, he said the Nationalist Party was not going to support a vote which would make Mr. Holland Prime Minister of New Zealand, but it would vote to put Reform out of power. The Nationalists had their own policy and principles which would not be subordinated to any other purpose whatever. “Will the Nationalists support a three, six, nine or twelve. yearly recurring vote on the prohibition issue. was- a question to which Mr. Veitch.replied by stating that the electors themselves would decide the issue, and it would then be for Parliament to take action to enforce prohibition or otherwise as was indicated. To a questioner who asked particulars concerning the probable cost of administering an agricultural bank in New Zealand, Mr. Veitch replied that in other countries experience had shown that it was not unduly excessive. He could not definitely give the information requested, but agreed with the questioner ; s suggestion that one per cent. would probably cover the expenses. This would, of course, depend upon the money subscribed. The agricultural banks operated on a co-operative basis requiring only to clear working expenses, and consequently those supporting the bank did not have to contribute to big profits. Thf advances to settlers scheme was excellent so far as it went, but was not sufficiently extensive in its scope and assisted only a small number of farmers and in a much smaller measure in comparison with the scale on which an agricultural bank could operate. Asked if he would be in favour of a superannuation scheme for the whole of the people of New Zealand, Mr. Veitch replied in the affirmative. He explained that it would have to be a contributory scheme and was a project which all three parties represented in the last Parliament had supported. Ho confidently thought it would come into oxidation before long. A vote of thanks in appreciation of Mr. Vcitch’s address, followed by a vote of thanks to the chairman, concluded the meeting. ADDRESSES ELSEWHERE. •At 2.30 p.m. Mr. Veitch gave a short address before a gathering of about 50 electors who assembled in the Kaponga Town Hall. Mr. A. R. Bates (chairman of the Kaponga Town Board) presided. Mr. Veitcli outlined the point's covered in his address at Eltham, with particular reference to the negotiations for hue fusion of the Liberal and Reform Bar ties and the proposal of the Nationalist Party to establish the agricultural banking scheme. -No questions were asked. A votti of thanks was accorded the speaker on the conclusion of his address.

At 7 p.m. Mr. Veitch Avas in attendance at Ivapuni Avhere, speaking on similar lines, he addressed a meeting of 80 electors in the public hall. The meeting was considered to be one of the largest of its kind ever held in the locality. Mr. L. Harrison officiated as chairman.

Mr. Veitcli prefaced his remarks by expressing his sincere regret that owing to his appointment to speak at Eltham he would be unable to remain as long as he ivould have liked.

After his speech Mr. Veitch ansAvered questions relating to the fusion negotiations and the agricultural banking scheme, and was accorded the customarv vote of thanks.

PATEA SEAT.

MR DICKIE CONTINUES

ADDRESSES HAWEBA AUDIENCE

CANDIDATE CORDIALLY RECEIVED.

Mr H. G. Dickie, the official Reform candidate in. the Patea electorate, was cordially received at Hawera last evening. The Opera House was packed to the doors and at the conclusion of the' meeting a motion was passed expressing appreciation of the speaker’s- addiess and also placing on record the meeting’s confidence in the Government and its administration. Cheers were also given for the speaker. His Worship the Mayor (Mr E. A. Pacey) said he was very pleased to preside that evening. Continuing, he referred to criticism levelled at him and the searchlight thrown on his actions as chairman of previous meetings by certain legal luminaries, but he thought that it showed that his ability as a chairman had not been impugned ,when the Reformers had asked him to preside at that evening’s meeting. They had all read the scurrilous attacks that had been made on him as a chairman. Mr Pacey said that prior to the meeting be had mentioned to Mr Dickie that he would like to say a few words on these lines, and Mr Dickie had said that he did not mind. Passing on, the Mayor said that he had served with Mr Dickie on the Patea Harbour Board, and he assured his audience that Mr Dickie was an indefatigable member of that board, and the ratepayers were well represented by him. Of course, the other candidate for Parliamentary honours was also a member of the same board, and he was also a good man. Mjr Dickie might have still been a member of the Harbour Board had he not answered the call of country and gone to the war. Mr Pacey said he was sure that Mr Dickie had all the credentials necessarv for a member of Parliament. The only fault the speaker could find with him was that he was in the wrong camp. Mr Dickie said at'the outset that he had every confidence in Mr Pacey as his chairman, whom he was sure would give him a good run and would hold thp scales evenlv for him. Proceeding. Mr Dickie said he felt that the present meeting was the mqst important in his campaign. He had frequently heard it said that he was almost unkhown to a Hawera audience,

but lie was living amongst them now, and none need be afraid to approach him and make themselves known. Whether he Avon the present campaign or not he intended to reside in Haii’era and take part in local affairs. He came of a dine of pioneers, his father liming Aval Iced over the Paekakariki ranges and made liis home in this part of the country. ’Mr Dickie said he had been a Avorking fanner all his life, and h© belonged to the class that composed the greater proportion of the people of this electorate, and if returned he Avould represent the ivorkers. The history of the Dominion did not contain a single name of anyone aa-lio had led a life of ease.

Regarding his Worship the Mayor, Mr Dickie said he wishfed to make a prophecy. “In three years’ time,” he said, “if I stand on this platform, I expect to have Mr Pacey on my committee. I think that Avhen the smoke of this election lias cleared away Mr Coates will take matters in hand and will select a Ministry tha,t will fall in with the views of practically all the people.” The speaker said he first met Mr Coates m France, and he impressed him then. He considered Mr Coates to lie the right man to take office as Prime Minister of this country.

Mr Dickie then proceeded to address those present on the lines of his speoeh at Waverlev, a report of which appear, ed in the Star. MANAIA RAILWAY. The speaker touched on neAv ground, hoii r ei r er, Avhen he referred to the railway partly completed between Kapuni and 'Manaia. Mr Coates had said that unless he received a guarantee that a certain amount of produce of the district ivould be transported by rail he would not complete the line. The trouble was that while they were shipping through Patea and had good roads to Manaia the railway could not compete Avith motor lorries. Mr Dickie thought that under the circumstances Mr Coates Avas quite right in concentrating on the Stratford line, because that line as soon as it Avas completed Avould carry the coal traffic Avhich would supply Taranaki, and the line would pay. Taranaki had just about come to the end of its firewood, and therefore the question of coal Avas a vital matter. In conclusion, Mr Dickie said they could have every confidence in Mr Coates doing the right thing Avlien he came te select his Ministry, or make any change. They were not anticipating that the National Party, that was only contesting about 44 seats, not half of which they Avould Avin, would in any way trouble the Reform Party. Xf the electors A\ r ould place their confidence in the speaker on November 4 they Avould find that he would be a lA’holetime Avorker in the interests of the constituency. He had a clean record, aud they kneAV that if his great uncle’s dog had bitten someone’s grandfather it Avould be brought up against him. QUESTION TIME.

The first question asked was ivhether Mr Dickie Avould support summer time legislation similar to that adopted in Great Britain. Mr Dickie said he Avas sorry to say that in Taranaki there Avas a good deal said against such legislation. He, however, had lived under summer-time legislation during the Avar, and he could see no great objection to it. He would like to see it given a trial. The question Avas one on which town and country clashed to some extent, as it meant a certain amount of self-sacrifice oil the part of the country people, while on the other hand it Avould give the workers a little longer in the sun and fresh air. Hoii’eA'er, he felt sure that once it Avas given a trial they ivou'd not revert to the. old order of -things. . He Avould like to see it given a trial for three months. Asked ivhetlier he ivas in favour of a universal half-holiday, the speaker said lie ivas in favour of each locality dealing Avitli the matter for itself. ‘‘lf in favour of prohibition, lifoiv would you suggest making up the lost revenue?” Avas another question. “This is a question Avhich settles itself. The money from drink isi taken out of the pockets of the people, and if .you take it out of the pockets of the people in some other Avay it does not make the slightest difference. If you leave it as it is at present, it means that the revenue is in most cases coming out of the pockets of those AA r ho can least afford it.”

“Are you in favour tof extra facing permits being granted in NeAv Zealand?”

“I am in favour of a feAv extra permits being granted ‘one-day’ clubs — not city clubs."

“Are* you in favour of ; the bookmaker operating in NeAv Zealand?” “I have got no time for the bookmaker. He pays no tax, and d°«s mot help- to support the State.” A A-oice: “That is the Goi r ernment’s fault!”

Mr Dickie, continuing without hearing the interjection: The bookmaker takes away revenue from the clubs. The clubs supply the stakes, and the better the 'stakes the better the support. I would be in favour of voting to squash the bookmaker. “What difference is there between the Reform Party, Jim Corrigan’s Party and Pat O’Dea’s party. ‘‘The question is rather frivolous. There is a vast difference.” “If returned, and your party has not a working majority, would you favour a fusion?” ‘‘Yes. I would favour a fusion with the best elements of the Liberal Party, whether we go back with a working majority or not. i \> “What party would you favour fusion with—-Labour or Liberal?”

“The question of lusion with the Labour Party has never been suggested.”

“Are you in favour of importing coal for our railways while there are plenty of hard coals in New Zealand?”

“1 am not an expert on coal, The men eomnlahi cf certain ill-effects from burning New- Zealand coal. It is a matter for expert advice.” In reply to other questions, Mr Dickie said he was not in favour of immigrants being given preference of employment in Government services. He was not in favour of the period of the liquor jpo’,l being extended from three to nine years. Asked what were Ins views on the subject of prohibition, Mr Dickie said he had voted no-license ever since it had been before tlie public, but many people had considered that he was not a sufficiently ardent prohibitionist. He considered it was a question for every elector to settle for himself, and he did not push Iris views on others. If he were elected it would be bis duty as a representative of both factious to hold the scales evenly between the two contending nart-ies* and it would be liis business to see that neither side got an unfair advantage. He was not in favour of State control. He had lived under prohibition in America, and he had nothing to say against it. Asked whether he approved of the manner in which Mr Dixon had been turned down by the Reformers, Mr Dickie said he had nothing whatever, to do with the matter. He had been absent in England, and oil his return had been asked to put his name in the hat. which he did. He was selected. and he came before the people as the candidate selected by his party. He hoped that Mr Dixon would inform them that, what he. stated was correct. Mr F. C. Spratt, =aid that Mr Dixon had been confined to his house as the

result of an illness, and ho did liotl think he Avas amongst the audience. Hoivever, he (Mr Spratt) had been present Avlien Mr Dickie had been selected Mr Dixon accepted the verdict of the meeting, and Mr Spratt was sure that Mr Dixou did not blame Ml Dickie. Mr Spratt said he had supported Mr Dixon, but he pledged himself to support Mr Dickie as he had Mr Dixon. , , r T .. . . Mr L. A. Bone said that- Mr Dickie lmd ansAvered the questions in a straightforward manner, aud as a candidate Mr Dickie ivas entitled to their support. Mr Bone then moved: ‘That this meeting records its hearty appreciation of Mr Dickie’s address, and also places on record its confidence in the Goi r ermnent and its administration.’ Mrs Deacon seconded, and the motion ivas carried amidst applause. Cheers Avere then given for the speaker, and the meeting terminated AA r ith a vote of thanks to the chair.

THAI’ PATEA MEETING.

Commenting editorially On Mr. Corrigan ’s Patea meeting, the Patea Press says: — ' All lovers of British fair-play will regret the unseemly exhibition given by a certain section—fortunately not all from Patea—at the Town Hall on Tuesday night. When the matter is viewin the calm light of reason it will, Ave think, be admitted at once that any elector has the right to ascertain from any candidate seeking his vote the vieivs the candidate holds on any political subject. If the candidate gives an evasive reply or declines to answer the question at all then the matter is one between the candidate and the questioner, the audience of course forming their OAvn conclusions as to the f wisdom or otherwise of the candidate in his action. For any section of the community who by cat calls and. shouting preA r ent any \ 7 oter in the electorate asking a plain and straightforward question on a political matter there can be nothing but the utmost contempt, and their action must reflect on the candidate - they seek to protect. On Tuesday night there Avas not a single question that was not couched in plain and courteous terms, and there was nothing to the candidate giving a plain and • straightfonvard ansiver to the questions put. For example what was to have prevented Mr. Corrigan replying in plain and straightforward manner to the question as to what is his attitude on the no-license . question? To say, “They all know my views on this matter,” is no ans Aver at all. We hope for the fair name of the town that at future political nfeetings questioners avlio desire to ascertain the views on any political question of a candidate who is seeking their votes—no matter from Avhat portion of the electorate the questioners come from—will be given British fair-play. The audience can then judge between the questioner and the candidate. LABOUR IN PATEA. It is noAv announced that Mr. J. Hutchison, whose name was mentioned as a prospective Labour candidate for Patea, will not contest the seat. The secretary of the Patea branch of. the Labour Party (Mr. W. W. Cousins) informs the Patea Press that the members of his party in that district have been instructed to give their support to Mr. Dickie at the present election. MR. HAWKEN AT MANAIA. (From O'ur Own Correspondent.) There was an attendance of about 100 in the Town Hall, Manaia', last night when Mr. O'. J., Hawken, M.P., opened his campaign in that district. The speaker dealt with the fusion negotiations, State Agricultural Banka and the; Dairy Control Board. Referring to Air. Veitch’s speech at Gpunake lie contended that there Avas so little difference in the platforms of the tAvo parties that nothing could be •. advanced by Mr. Veitch. J ,In reply to jk question regarding the 1 Manaia Railway, Mr Hawken said that Mr .Goates had referred te the Kaupotkonui Factory, when he asked for ail the transport on the line, and was quite prepared to re-open the question if Kaupokonui -would guarantee its freight. To a South African veteran, Air. Hawken said that the Liberal Party had not granted any pension to them. in ansAvering a. query as to what the Dairy Control Board had done during the recent strike, the speaker said that the Board ivtas in touch with the situation. He stated that he was in favour of the Bible being taught in schools and fai 7 oured having no liquor poll after the present election, until it could be proved that prohibition Avas a success in America. He stated that in his opinion the fusion negotiations broke down owing ,to the Liberal party asking for portfolios. , To a questioner he stated that he was not prepared to accept Mr Veitch’s challenge issued that day to debate the fusion issue before an audience. ~ A vote of thanks was passed on the motion of Messrs. J. W. Snowdon and G. H . Meull.

DUNEDIN SOUTH: (by TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION.) DUNEDIN, Oct. 16. Air Side} 7 , National candidate for Dunedin South, has delivered his first address, receiving a unanimous vote of confidence. He criticised the Government, instancing specially the new debt reduction scheme, for which he said the time was inopportune, since it would divert large sums lof money- from the Advances Office at a time when it was urgently required. It was (incongruous to divert Something qlike one and a half millions at present being used for practically the same purpose,- and for which additional millions were being borrowed. It was parting with cheap money to borrow dear money. The .Prime Minister’s rosy picture about finance was nbt borne out by exports and imports relation. The recent investigations taking into account the visible and invisible trade showed tbat for the last five-year period the balance of trade was against us to the extent of fifteen millions. Mr Sidey dealt mainly with other financial schemes of the Government, especially the funding wf loans/