DEBATE GOES ON

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21157, 5 July 1940, Page 6

DEBATE GOES ON

FINANCIAL STATEMENT ME C. M. WILLIAMS ON RUSSIA -MAY COME TO BRITAIN’S HELP" (Rv Tclegx.ph.—Pref< Association) WELLINGTON, Friday Continuing the Budget debate in the House of Representatives today, the Hon. J. G. Cobbe (Opposition— Manawatu) discussed the position of farmers, and said that many hardworking farmers would have difficulty in paying the taxes the Government had imposed for war purposes, but part of which, he considered, would be used to keep other workers at high wage levels. Mr C. Morgan Williams (Government —Kaiapoi) said one of Nev Zealand's great difficulties was its one-sided economy. The Government had done much to correct that, and he believed secondary industries would continue to advance. He refuted claims that secondary industtries were not on the up-grade, and said that at Kaiapoi workers who had joined the Forces had been replaced by girls and men, many of whom were previously on sustenance. Insurance on Assets Supported Mr Williams agreed with the suggestion that there should be an insurance tax on assets, as outlined by the Member for Christchurch North (Mr S. G. Holland) but one of the biggest difficulties to be faced was that there was no means of determining what the people’s assets were. Speaking of the war situation, he held there was no need for pessimism, and drew a parallel between the events of today and those of Napoleonic times. The position was definitely more in our favour at present, he said. A great number of people were turning their eyes to Russia, and there was a good deal of wishful thinking going on, but personally he though Russia might come in on our side. During the Napoleonic Wars Russia had saved Europe, and he believed the same would happen today if we could get rid of our suspicions of that nation and leave her to manage her own internal affairs. Broadcasting Services Mr A. E. Jull (Opposition—Waipawa) suggested the amalgamation of the two New Zealand broadcasting services, and said if there were any doubt about who was to be in charge, the two directors or controllers should toss up for it. There was a clamant need for the Government to take into account heavy expenditure in times like the present. Referring to waterfront control, Mr Jull drew attention to the appointment of three control commissioners, local controllers and superintendents and the salaries they were receiving. The point he wished to know was what the Government had paid, and the tetms and conditions of purchase of a certain stevedoring business in this city. He considered the appointments that the Minister had made were the most outrageous ever made in this country. It was a most one-sided commission. Mr Jull also criticised the contract system on the waterfront, and also the Government’s handling of the coal strike position on the West Coast.

The debate was interrupted by the adjournment at 1 p.m.