FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14798, 11 November 1921, Page 2

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

DISCUSSION Ifl THE HOUSE. THE GOVERNMENT ASSAILED. (By Telegraph.—Special to Times.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. The debate on the'Financial State/nienL was opened in the House last evening. Tlic Leader of the Opposition assailed; the Government vigorously.' He described the statement as barren of policy, and charged Ministers with failing to effect necessary reductions in public expenditure. He moved before he sat, down, "That in the opinion of this House the absence of any policy in the Financial Statement, together with the lack of appreciation of the lnd/fsMal necessities of the Dominion displayed by the tariff proposals, proclaim the Government to be without any adequate realisation of the needs of the present day." In Earnest About Retrenchment. ■ The Minister for Education (Mr C. J.'Parr), replied that he assured the House that he and his colleagues were in-earnest about retrenchment. "The tariff is frankly a revenue tariff," said the Minister. "It will not suit the gentlemen who want high protection in this country. It lias not attempted to suit them. • It hits luxuries or non•necessaries in the attempt to get revenue, but it docs not affect the cost of living." Referring to relronrhment he said that the proposed savings included reduction in the bonus paid lo civil servants on account of the increased cost of living. Members of the Economy Commission recommended Uyit there should be provision for a redaction of the last bonus of £-50. It was proposed that their bonus should be decreased •pro rata'.to. conform with the decline In the cost of'living.