Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 10 December 1940, Page 4

The Commonwealth of Australia appears to be in the way of settling her immediate political troubles, though the situation is such, with the unusual equality in party strength, that fresh troubles may arise at any time. The Commonwealth Government introduced a war budget of unusual stringency, and with the parties so equally divided, the fate of the Government was in the balance, il the proposals were pressed. The leader of the opposition, who has Hacl an insight into the war situation behind the scenes, pressed for amendments to contribute something towards the Labour platform in social benefits, placed before the electors at the late poll. By reason of the numerical strength of the Labour Party, Mr Curtain had some justification to make the request, and Mi Men/.ies very wisely accepted the proposal. The concession will add a lew millions to the bill to be collected from the ratepayers, but a political crisis has been avoided. Mr Menzies is stronger politically for his handling of the situation, and it is hoped .matters will now run smoothily. Australia can and is, placing a large part in the Avar, and having such a big brother so close to the Dominion, New Zealand, is fortunate. Australia under its strong protection policy of many years now, has built up a great industrial system, and uoav produces large quantities of supplies for the Commonwealth and overseas. Australia is a largo exporter • f manufactured goods in addition to its large natural products, so that it has become a very important unit m the Empire and in world trade. Its manufactures and exports of ' var material now must he great, and of essential service to the Empire position. Its part in the war personnel is very extensive in the three main departments, sea, air, and land. Internally, it has a growing defensive force, and an expanding Navy and Air Force. It is becoming self-contained in many essentials, which fact shows its outstanding importance at this juncture in doing its large part for Empiie ce fence.