“COST OF LIVING MUST RISE"

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 1 February 1939, Page 2

“COST OF LIVING MUST RISE"

STATEMENT BY MR ADAM HAMILTON GOVERNMENT BLAMED FOR POSITION OF OVERSEAS FUNDS I United Pies* Atfsocminn) CHRISTCHURCH, 31st January. “The present position of our overseas funds is certainly alarming, but the public must understand that the cause of the shortage of funds at this stage is none other than the Government’s ill-considered policy,” said the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Hamilton, in an interview this evening. Asked about developments since the election, Mr Hamilton said there had been some serious and rather startling admissions by the Government that really should have been made public before the electors exercised their votes last October.

The Government had interpreted the election result as a mandate to proceed apace with its advanced ideas. State regulation and control of exports and imports was no doubt pleasing to Government members and was in line with their socialistic programme toward a totalitarian State.

“There has evidently been some suggestion that Parliament should be called together to consider the question,” said Mr Hamilton, “but that would be a useless and expensive proceeding, for the net result would be a decision to approve the Government’s socialistic programme by two to one. At the general election electors made their decision and the Opposition must abide by that decision, even if the Government’s policy results in much hardship. “One thing is certain—the cost of living must rise, despite Ministerial warnings. It does seem a bit incongruous for a Government which had just raised railway rates 10 per cent, to complain of others raising prices to meet extra costs.”

NOT ASKING FOR SPECIAL SESSION NATIONAL PARTY AND IMPORT REGULATIONS CHRISTCHURCH. 31st January. A denial that the Opposition had any intention of asking for the summoning of Parliament to discuss the Government’s import regulations was made by the leader, Mr Hamilton, in an interview. "After all. it is their own job.” vas Mr Hamilton’s comment

Mr Hamilton said that he would discuss the regulations with anyone wanting to discuss them, but nothing had been definitely arranged about such discussions. The National Party had not come to any decision to hold a caucus

,on the matter, and he was certainly I i ot going to Wellington specifically on J business associated with the regulations. “No, there is no thought of a caucus at the moment. We are just leaving them to themselves about it,” Mr Hamilton said.