THE POLICY HEEDED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12068, 25 July 1917, Page 4

THE POLICY HEEDED.

EQUALITY OF SACRIFICE.

MR FORBES URGES FIRM MEASURES.

[From Our Correspondent.]

WELLINGTON, July 24

Several phases of the speech by M} Forbes ou the Address-in-Reply wer« of special interest. His references to Cabinet harmony and the National Cabinet compact appear under another heading. The member also dealt witt tJte duty of t-lw Government to seoun true equality of sacrifice. Mr Forbes made- no apology for con tinning the debate, which was justified owing to the importance of the events which had happened during the recess. This was an opportunity for members to show the Government what wan desired by tho country. The long abseneo of the leadeirs had beou criticised, but they had shown that theii work was valuable. Empire government had been considered, but the country wa-s not in a mood to complete any scheme until tho war problems had been disposed of. Anything like a definite organisation which might interfere with our rights of legislation would cause irritation. It was suggested that the Imperial organisation should have power of taxation bul New Zealand and Australia would resent it. The looser the ties the stronger and more durable they will be, said tire speaker. The Military Service Act had worked smoothly. The men calied up had shown the .-amo spirit as voluntary recruits. This was a very pleasant surprise. There could be no doubt about the spirit of New Zealand to see it through. This .should be a.n inspiration to Parliament to ca.rry out its pari. It. showed that the people would carry a far greater burden than was imposed. t. o _day. The failure on the eastern front; showed that e-verj resource would have to he utilised to win the war. A large number of Second Division men would have to be called up. As-a necessary preliminary there should be a round table conference between the Government and members. (Hear, hear). The House did not wish to see a repetition of last joar's experience, when legislation regarding pensions and allowances wa.3 brought in before the Government knew the temper of the House, theji it had to be amended. The country had got the impression that the Government was de-ding with the soldiers in a niggardly spirit. NOT A HACKNEYED TERM.

The member urged the Government not to consider equality of sacrifice as a hackneyed term. Unless th e Budget contained taxation of a most drastic character, the country would be greatly dissatisfied. Settlement of soldiers on the Laud was th G first consideration, and large settlers would have to be told to move up. In Canterbury the only Crown land was 18,749 acres, mostly high pastoral country, whic't three or four settlers would absorb, therefore it wa.s necessary to do something more. Land for settlement landj cost an average of £1343 per settler, but the price to-day wouid be double! Land must be obtained, and the best lever was taxation. He could not feel proud of the position of settlement in Canterbury. \Vhile there was an in. crease of 5P78 in the population of the city and suburban seats, there was a decrease of population in the country seats of 661 persons. How could it be maintained that subdivision was going on every day? There was a considerable aggregation going on. of farms of moderate sizes possessing good land; The Government, would have to enforce a fair measure of sacrifice. Would the returned soldiers he content 'with the pace of settlement, under the Le,nd for Settlements Act, when only odXX} persons Tihd been settled in twentyyears? Tha soldiers had seon too much real sacrifice to trouble much about the complaints of landowners whose pookets were hurt. There was a. grim determination on tho country's part to enforce true equality of sacrifice. MINISTER IN REPLY.

The Hon A. L. Herdman, who followed Mr Forbes, contested the accuracy of the member's criticism. *' One might come to the conclusion." he said, ''that the National Government was afraid to impose taxation on people who at the present time enjoy large incomes. I can assure the hon member that the National Government will not fail m its duty when it, comes to imposing taxation on large incomes. Even now, under existing taxation, some people are feeling the burden heavily. Personally I don't think it would be good to exact in a spirit of vindictiveness larger sums than the wants of the people and the country justify." The Minister went on to express the opinion that there was no country at the present time more blessed with prosperity and happiness than New Zealand. (Hear, hear.)