TOO MUCH OF IT.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20283, 18 April 1934, Page 4

TOO MUCH OF IT.

Armchair Criticism of Government. MR. FORBES HITS BACK. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, April IS. “ A little appreciation of the work of the Government would be encouraging,” said the Prime Minister addressing members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce last evening. “ There has been too much criticism by stern-faced men who sit at tables and pass solemn resolutions without a due appreciation of the difficulties with which the Government has to contend,” added Mr Forbes. Tne gentlemen who were always finding fault should look overseas. The present progress of the Old Country was a direct result of the maintenance of the policy which was deemed by the Government to be souna in its essence. Referring to criticism of the New Zealand Government s action in raising the rate of exchange, Mr Forbes pointed out that when Britain went off the gold standard and depreciated its currency by 3U per cent thereby, its action was applauded as being very sound. 1 his was done at a moment’s notice, yet when the Government here raised the rate to 25 per cent it was roundly condemned from many quarters. “ I ask you,” said Mr Forbes, ” when is England going back to gold? The average business man in Great Britain hopes it will be never There the depression resulted in a drop of lb per cent in the national income, whereas ni New Zealand ours has fallen away by 35 per cent.”