AIMING TO GET BACK TO NORMAL

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 88, 23 March 1931, Page 4

AIMING TO GET BACK TO NORMAL

HON. R. MASTERS ON GOVERNMENT POLICY

The Hon. R. Masters, Leader of the Legislative Council, in an interview' wdth the Stratford “Evening Post,” referred to the financial statement made by the Prime Minister, the Hon; G. W. Forbes, in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. “While it was expected that there would be a deficit,” Mr. Masters said, “it was not anticipated that it would be so large as is now announced. The deficit is the result of greatly reduced Customs revenue due to the large decrease in imports during the eleven months to which Mr. Forbes referred. The drop in Customs revenue w r as about £1,000,000.

"The position has been also affected by the railways, for, during the period under review', the decrease in revenue exceeded the economies affected in the administration of the railways.

Faced Position Braveiy

“The many difficulties,” continued Mr. Masters, “which have faced the United Government since its inception, are well-known. The causes of these difficulties are many, and world wide, and are to a great measure beyond the control of any Government. There is no need to reiterate the causes and effects of the difficult social and economic problems for which New Zealand, and the rest of the world, are endeavouring to find a solution which will not impair their financial reputation nor load the public with a greater burden than can be helped. The country’s chief aim now is to carry out such a policy as will enable it to over-ride these difficulties and to get back to normal as soon as possible. “In New Zealand the Government must face these problems in the manner it considers best in the interests of the people as a w'hole, and not in the interests of any section of the community; it must legislate for the common good without fear or favour. Its policy must be far-seeing, for its effects will reach beyond the borders of its sphere of legislative operations. I claim that the Government has recognised these important factors in drawing up its policy for consideration at the special session of Parliament.

“It has sought to do its duty fearlessly and in the interests of the Dominion as a whole, while at the same time realising that the honour of the country is in Its keeping.

“The Government realises its heavy responsibilities and willingly shoulders the burden, even when that burden has been weighed by unfortunate circumstances over which it has no control. The Honourable Course ~ ' T “The Government, in facing these difficulties—and I say this with some knowledge of the serious nature of the difficulties it has been called upon to surmount —has not for an Instant deviated from the course dictated by honour and rectitude. It could have shirked its responsibilities, and by adopting a weaker attitude, have curried favour by concealing the true position of the Dominion from the people. It could have glossed over rough surfaces and by minimising the serious nature of the position, have misled the public here, and the peoples of other countries as well. “The Government has done none of these things, but has placed the integrity and welfare of New’ Zealand before everything else. It has taken the people into its confidence, and. without exaggeration, without any attempt to stampede the country or create a panic, has placed before the people the true state of the national finances, and lias also stated what the future holds for the Dominion unless certain precautionary measures are taken. The Government has also explained the methods it deems best to avert the advent of further trouble. The methods may be unpopular with certain sections of the community, but if it is to rehabilitate the country and set it once again on the road to prosperity, it must commend itself to all those who have the reputation and welfare of New Zealand truly at heart.”