“Cut Restoration”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20281, 16 April 1934, Page 6

“Cut Restoration”

Government Cannot Give Lead.

'JMIE GOVERNMENT cannot give the country a lead in the restoration of wages and salary cuts till public finances are in a better position. That statement was made last night by the Prime Minister (Mr Forbes), who added that it was not to be expected that extra taxation should be imposed so that the salary cuts could be restored. Commenting on the budgetary situation, Mr Forbes said that the benefit of the rise in prices had not yet been felt as far as Government finances were concerned, as the operations were based on last year’s taxation. The improved position would be taken into account when the next estimates were being drawn up. The position was good with regard to several aspects of farming, and Government receipts from land were better. Another encouraging factor was the improvement in the balancesheets of local bodies in the collection of rates’ from farming areas. In response to a question on the possibility of additions to the personnel of the Upper House, or its possible reconstruction, Mr Forbes would only say that the matter was under consideration. Then Mr Forbes was asked to comment on the utterances of a recent distinguished visitor.

“ I think,” said Mr Forbes with a smile. “ that Mr Shaw enjoyed himself very much.”