THE BUDGET DEBATE.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 August 1930, Page 8

THE BUDGET DEBATE.

The New Zealand Government having survived the first official no-confidence motion in regard to the new Budget with practically a solid Labour vote in its favour, the chances of any serious political crisis appear to be diminishing. . That is not to «ay that the new taxation proposals become any more popular as they are examined, but it seems evident that neither of the Opposition parties has very much to offer by way of an alternative. Mr. Downie Stewart,, who as an ex-Min.'ster of Finance in the Reform Ministry knows something of the task of which the present Minister has undertaken, was studiously guarded in his criticism. Like most people he considers less taxation world have been necessary had economy in administration been more thorough, but he "we little indication of tho manner in which this could be carried out. Hw suggestion "that

an increase in postal rates would have been preferable to the increased aanisement taxes is open to grave question. Postal business is no luxury, It is an integral part of commercial and social life. Moreover, the buoyancy of the revenue since the rates were lowered and the increase in business has -amply justified the return to penny postage. The suggestions made by the Independent member for Egmont, Mr. C. A. Wilkinsan, were very much more to the point. He indicated that there were methods of introducing economics without wholesale dismissals from the public service, though his reference to the abolition of the prohibition poll may he ruled out as impracticable. Though many will disagree with the instances he gave of economies that might be brought about, there is a general feeling that if lessened expenditure were made the main principle of the Government’s financial policy ways and means of practising economy would be revealed. So far the Government hascontented itself with demanding from its critics some better method of raising the funds it thinks are necessary with expenditure as forecasted. This may be quite good Parliamentary tactics. Whether it is real statesmanship is another matter.