Public Opinion

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 190, 14 August 1940, Page 4

Public Opinion

ALBERTAN FINANCE Sir, In a recent issue of the ••Chronicle” your correspondent "Anti-Nashist” makes some interesting comparisons between the much despised somewhat heterodox Aberhart Government in Alberta and th* ■ very orthodox conditions obtaining in this country under a so-called Labour administration. Interesting as these figures are in favour oi Alberta it would appear that “Anti-Nashist” has been even more conservative than the present official figures disclose, in considering these statistics it must be remembered that Alberta is a small State of only about 750,0(10 inhabitants and is, with other parts of the Empire, contributing her lull share in the war for liberty. Here are a lew additional facts about this well-directed little State that is putting up a splendid light for a real democracy and not that emasculated form of democracy our politicians are so fond of talking about:— (1) The Hon. Solon E. Low, Provincial Treasurer, who was defeated at the recent elections, has since been returned unopposed for Vegreville Riding. His was tne only nomination. (2) National debt reduced 7.75 million dollars (not 1.75 millions as given by “Anti-Nashist.”) (3) No new taxes to be imposed in 1940 (and there’s a war on). (4) Bonus on consumers’ goods now 5 per cent, (and no sales tax). (5) More money lor mothers’ allowances. (6) Alberta now producing 97 per cent, of Canada’s oil, and 70 per cent, of Canada's gas. (7) Timber output doubled. Coal production up IS per cent, this year. We should judge by results. New Zealand, being a self-contained unit and having its own Reserve Bank, could do better than Alberta. Why do we not get on with it? Why must we continue to pay tribute to overseas warmongers for munitions that can be made in our own factories by our own workmen and. if necessary, paid for by some form of tax remission vouchers without the need of any further taxation increases? — G. J. BILLINGHURST.