MR TORRES'S ECONOMY PROPOSALS.

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 4 February 1931, Page 4

MR TORRES'S ECONOMY PROPOSALS.

The hint given yesterday by the Prime Minister, in reply to a deputation, of drastic steps to be taken soon to meet the depressed economic conditions, lias been overshadowed in public interest by the terrible news from the earthquake region. Mr Forbes has promised a full statement of his proposals by to-morrow. Whether he can keep to that schedule is problematical, for when he made the promise he did not- know that within an hour or two the whole, of his energies and time would be absorbed in earthquake relief organisation. It can be stated at once that the Prime Minister at this moment has the sympathy of every thinking man and woman in New Zealand; lie is facing a task which might: well make the stoutest heart quail. The importance of any economy proposals that the Government has to make cannot be for long overshadowed, however; the life of the Dominion must go on and it is plain for everyone to see that the country's welfare is dependent upon the wisdom and strength displayed at this juncture by its leaders. In replying to yesterday's deputation Mr Forbes said:— "These are extraordinary times; we "have to take extraordinary measures. "We will do our duty. I do not sup"pose our actions will meet with the "approval of all sections of the com"munit.y. If they are not acceptable "then it cannot be said that we have "been lacking in onr duty. My duty "as Prime Minister is to say what "should bo done, whether it is pleasant “or unpleasant." This is a manly statement, delivered in a fashion which will earn respect for the Government. It remains to be seen whether the Govern, event's conception of its duty fulfills the promise of those words. This is not a time for studying individual likes and dislikes, nor party advantage, and Mr Forbes will find that the mod-erate-minded section of the people of the Dominion will be prepared to make sacrifices in the common cause so long as the demands for sacrifice are founded on equity.