ECONOMY IN DOMINION

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 25 August 1931, Page 6

ECONOMY IN DOMINION

COMMITTEE SEARCHING PLANS

IMPORTANT PARLEYS START

ATTITUDE! OF; THE LEADERS

Political developments in New Zealand wore carried a stage further when the special committee of ten member s drawn from all parties in the House of Representatives held the -first of what promises to be a series of exceptionally important meetings yesterday, reports the “Dominion.” It was naturally not expected that the gathering wonild be occupied with much more than a preliminary exchange of views, and although the o_fficia.l statement issued at the- conclusion was entirely non-committal, it is perfectly patent that the work of the committee will prove the prelude .to highly eventful deliberations in Parliament.

There is every possibility that many of the preconceived ideas which members of the committee will take with them to- the discussions will undergo a change before long, and it is partly for this reason that its work will be watched with! the closest attention. Already it is learned in the lobbies that opinions to which expression has been given are being recast, and it is- stated on good authority that the state- of the national finances is likely to result in no little tolerance being shown in the endeavour to arrive at a definite plan for economic rehabilitation.

One of the first questions brought under the notice of the committee yesterday was that of making available to members all necessary departmental evidence so that the position might be attacked with a full knowledge of the facts. It was decided to take evidence from departmental officers today and to-morrow, and to hear views from other sources later.

THREE YEAR. PROPOSAL

Much attention has been focused upon the Prime Minister’s- opinion that the committee should first of all consider the state of local bodies’ finance and the general economic condition of the country, and) that the Budget should not be interfered with in the meantime on the ground that the Government has made- the national accounts as secure as it can under the circumstances for the current year. However, it is now believed that Mr Forbes is willing that the Budget should not- be treated as a thing apart, and this being so it will mean that he- has fallen into line with the desire of the Deader of the Opposition, Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, to draw up a general plan and aim for a definite object. Mr F-'orbes. has in mind the preparation of a plan extending over three years. The attitude of the Labour members of the committee is being watched closely. The Prime Minister is still of the opinion that a National Government is a necessity, and that the- postponement of the general election mustbe effected if a logical plan extending over a definite period is to be canned to conclusion. On neither of these points will the Labour PaTty agree, and Mr. Coates has pointed oiit that he does not think the present time opportune for raising either issue. From what could be gathered yesterday, however, the Labour members will co-operate fully in the preparation of a plan, and it seems that the committee will therefore aim at avoiding controversial questions at least until it has been determined whether a scheme for financial rehabilitation can be- framed.

QUESTIONS FOR EXPERTS

Suggestions have been made that a special sub-committee of experts should be appointed to investigate specific points. Mr. Forbes advocated this course in an interview yester day, but the committee has not yet gone into the question. The Prime Minister’s opinion i:s that it would take a long time for the committee oi ten to- hear all necessary evidence, whereas economists and financiers could work quicker and then make their report. The presence in the country of Professor D. B. Copeland, who has been vitally concerned in Australian affairs, has led to the assumption that he might be asked to advise tlie Government, bub Air. Forbes believes that New Zealand economists, who have a full knowledge of local conditions, would serve with the fullest satisfaction. If appointed, the sub-committee of experts, which would comprise economists and financial men, would report on the cost of Government, State finance, business finance, and the position of the country generally. It would also no doubt be asked to say whether the Budget and the Estimates made sufficient, provision for contingencies. It is stated quite frankly that the committee- will first sift all the* available evidence during the coming week or fortnight and that in the meantime political side-issues will be disregarded. It is realised that whatever developments might have been expected to occur have been delayed as the result of the appointment of the committee. The future holds several possibilities, but little good can be done by speculating on them until it is seen what will come put of the- inquiry.

WORK OF THE! HOUSE

A compromise- has been reached concerning the sitting hours of the House while the committee is at work. It has been decided that the House will sit in the evenings only this week, the committee sitting in the mornings and afternoons. This has apparently met the objection of the- Labour Party to- a short adjournment of Parliament, although one or two members of the committee are ot the opinion that it will eventually become necessary to press for a few days’ adjournment of the House for the sake of convenience.

It is pointed out by the Prime Minister that the financial debate has not been finished, and that it cannot very well be stopped abruptly unless members are willing. In any event, it will seem out of place for members to be speaking on national finances when they are being brought under view and possibly being revised in. another part of the building.

There is plenty of business to occupy the House in the meantime. The Prime Minister will introduce to-day the measure to postpone the licensing poll this year, and if it is desired to adopt a new course there is no lack of Government and other business on the stocks to keep the House fully occupied for some time.

“SHAM FIGHT ONLY.’

AIR, FOLSOM ON FLECTION

STRATFORD, Aug. 24

Discussing the possible postponement of the general election, Mr. W. J. Poison. M.P., said that if the Emergency Committee set up adopts

l national -plan which all parties accept, and the Government agrees to put into operation, the parties ooulcl not put up more than a sham fight on the hustings. It would look as it there was only one programme possible to lay before the electors, viz., that adopted by the- National Committee. Presumably that would he the- only programme accept able to tbe country. Atr Poison welcomed the move as the first step in a nearer approach by the various parties to a common plan and the examination of the country’s difficulties.