FEDERAL POLITICS.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18778, 28 October 1932, Page 4

FEDERAL POLITICS.

DR. PAGE DEFENDS HIMSELF. REPLY TO CRITICISM. CANBERRA,; Ootober 19. Dr. Earle Page Juggled with figures in the House of Representatives last night. He played gently with tens of millions, and slyly quoted sums that would have made an Indian Rajah blacker than ever with envy. It was the doctor’s reply to his orltics. Opposition members have, spoken unkindly of the Country Party leader when he was Treasurer. So Dr. Page, taking advantage of the discussion on the Budget, marshalled his numerical army and paraded It for the benefit and education of the Opposition. It was an army of wellfed olphers led by straight-baokedi generals, and it strutted and performed to the will of Its field-marshal. “If I was- an extravagant Treasurer," said the Country Party 0.G., “then those that followed me were <muoh more extravagant. “I am Just proving beyond doubt -that this criticism of myself as extravagant is .not right when comparisons are made.” His Economies. For instance, although the call was then for expenditure and not for economy, he had reduced the cost of the Treasury by about £400,000 during his term of offloe. And there were many other points which showed that on -his own statement Dr Page was a sound and constructive Treasurer and that orlticisms to the contrary were unfair and untrue.

If only the Country Party’s advo'oaoy that a sales tax be plaoed on iflour, made some time ago, had been aocepted, the plight of the wheatgrowers now would not have been so aoute, contended Dr. Page, ending bis saga of justification. Something would have to be done to assist the wool industry, which was carried on at a loss of almost £7,500,000 last year. ,Dr Page solemnly warned the Government that it would have to bring down costs to a marked degree if “we are to get out of this depression." One Sniper. The .deputy-leader of the 'Federal Labour camp (Mr Forde) took potshots at Dr. Page’s army, and refused to believe that his claims to have been an efficient Treasurer were justified. He said that, if the Country Party were in the Cabinet, it would at present be justifying the Government up to the hilt. He recalled that a member had described Tir. Page “as the most tragic Treasurer Australia ever had.” The House had been sitting for -some 50 days, and during that period Mr Dennis, the U.A.P. member for Batman (Vic.), has remained quietly In his seat. But last night, admitting that- he was nervous, he had some words to say in favour of the Lyons Government. It had restored confidence, as was Illustrated in the recent conversion operations by Mr Bruce. It had also reduced unemployment, and he was- very satisfied.