HON. A. HAMILTON

Hokitika Guardian, 28 April 1939, Page 6

HON. A. HAMILTON

CRITICISES GOVT. PROPOSALS

(Per Press Association.—Copyright)

; ; _ AXJCKLAND,. April 28. Discussing the ! effect of the Government’s policy on the finances of the people, Hon.- Adam Hamilton said, in an interview to-day, that the abstract of statistics for March shbwed the position of the Post Office Savings Banlc had deteriorated by a gross total ot £6,828,328 to the end of February last, as compared with the similar eleven months oi 1937-38.

“The :,a<jtuapfigures are, that fer .the; eleven months 1937-88 to the. end .-of February, deposits exceeded withdraw-’ als by £3,644,133; For months'of the financial year 1938-39 to ? tli e end of February last, withdrawals exceeded - deposits ‘by £3,184.195.” During the'l937 season and early last' yfiEtf, added Mr Hamilton, Cabinet Ministers' and other Government Supporters had pointed very' proudly to the returns of the Post Office Savings Bank as showing that greater prosperity was 'wholly attributable to the policy implemented by the Labour Government.

“I hAve noticed nothing lias been broadcast. or said by Cabinet Ministers and Labour .speakers generally about the present situation of the Savings Batik figures,” added Mr Hamilton.. “What is the reason? If a large excess of deposits over withdrawals was the iiidex to, prosperity-and cominuhij>}'t weH-bejng s ;jni tiie Labour, paradise _<VIV last y£%7‘hpw.does, the. Prime Minister describe the changed situation to-day?”