SIR JOSEPH WARD IN REPLY.

Marlborough Express, Volume LIII, Issue 271, 18 November 1919, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD IN REPLY.

rpBESS AflflnntATTON."l

IN^ERCARGILL, Nov. 18. ■In reply to Sir James Allen, Sir Joseph Ward insisted that his Wiriton figures were correct, and •stated, that he had nothing to do with the current year's Estimates or any proposals in the Budget. The liabilities for the year were stupendous, .and. far beyond anything he had ever contemplated. ' He also dealt with Mr Massey's remarks as to 'his criticisms being that of an irresponsible politician; and pointed out thai none of his financial Acts had fever been repealed. He pointed to the legislation ' which ft saved the Bank of New Zealand; the' advances to settlers and workers,'^, arid laid great stress on the surplus! of fifteen millions, which, would, liave' given confidence when they had to go outside New Zealand for loans, as; they would. , The country' could not go on providing its own money, and would have greater difficulty in raising loans now that the surplus was to be collared. He again urged that it was absurd to take power to spend sixty millions if, as Mr Massey said, there was no intention of spending it. A starvation policy for railways, roa,ds, bridges, and electricity was inexcusable in,face of this expenditure.

Alluding to the Hon. Mr Coates's statement in reference to the Post and, Telegraph bonus, Sir, Joseph Ward insisted that the proposed inquiry was a. most extraordinary proceeding. . Even if this payment involved, a similar bonus; to other branches of the public service it was no more than they deserved, and he would support it; ■: