The Daily News THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1932. FINDING THE SOLUTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 April 1932, Page 4

The Daily News THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1932. FINDING THE SOLUTION.

During the past week or two many public gatherings andmeetings of numerous organisations all over the Dominion have discussed the National Expenditure Commission’s economy proposals and the Government’s policy, so far as it has been disclosed. The results have been very strenuous opposition in some places and very bitter criticism in others, mainly with the purpose of trying to dissuade the Government from doing some of the things it deems necessary or accepting some of the recommendations concerning which it has remained silent. Neither the Government nor the commission has received njuch sympathy, nor have the critics offered anything very tangible in the way of alternatives to the plahs they have so freely condemned. At last, how ever, a conference has been found that has struck a new and more melodious note. Representatives of the secondary school boards of the Dominion have expressed a desire to assist the Government in the performance of its unenviable task and have “approved the reduction in the capitation grant as a temporary measure.” It is quite evident that the boards approached this matter fairly. Instead of rising up in a hurry to defend their “rights,” as so many organisations have done, they considered the point calmly and decided that they could, probably at the cost of some effort on their part, manage to carry on for a time without the customary grant from the public purse. In this they have set an example to all those who are filling the air with their protests against the actual or potential policy of the Government. The reason why there is. such an outcry and so few people are making any attempt to help the Government is not far to seek. They are simply refusing to recognise the indisputable fact that this country is facing changed conditions, and therefore must adapt its policy to meet them. The plans which are put forward to bring about the necessary, readjustment are reviewed by indivi* duals in the light of . their own fixed ideas and convictions; starting out with the belief that the particular’ system under discussion is essential as well, as adequate,

they can easily reach the conclusion that anything in the nature of change should he prevented. The first thing for everyone to realise is that the Dominion is in very serious difficulties. Then the question to be faced is how they may best be overcome. It is a tremendous problem that demands solution, and only by patient inquiry and dispassionate thought will the solution be found. A portion of the Government’s policy is before Parliament, and it is reported that certain supporters of the Government have informed their leader that they are pledged to oppose two of the policy proposals, reduction of wages and curtailment of pensions. Here is a matter which these members are not free to consider. It may be that if they were they would be convinced that changes of circumstances since they gave their pledges had made it imperative that the country should undertake these particular economies, yet in obedience to decisions made in ignorance of what was to come they would now have to vote against their better judgment. Their case merely illustrates the position of many of those who are criticising the Government’s measures and emphasises the necessity for the most careful consideration of every economy proposal put forward. As the Prime Minister urged in the course of his admirable speech in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, members of the House and everyone else should try to regard the situation from a national viewpoint. He claims that the Government is endeavouring 'to do the best for everybody, and those who cannot see eye to eye with the Government should at least pursue the same objective. The country looks to them, as it does to the Government, for a lead in the direction of stability; those who are eager to tear down the Government’s structure must be prepared to put something better in its place. If critics in and out of Parliament will remember that fact while the National Expenditure Bill is under discussion Parliament’s work will be done efficiently. It would be helped, no doubt, if the Government’s policy werfe more fully revealed. It lias been suggested by some people that the Finance Bill, which will provide for the taxation required by the Minister of Finance, should be introduced before the House gives its verdict on the present measure, and the suggestion is a reasonable oner With full-details before it of the revenue proposals the House certainly would be better able to make up its mind as to what is necessary. The occasion calls for the deepest thought of all members and all those outside Parliament who can help them, and this must be based on full information.