Items from the Budget

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 4, 27 July 1910, Page 48

Items from the Budget

WATERrPOWER. LOAN. in the course of his budget speech last week, Sir Joseph Ward, dealing with the utilisation of water power, said it was desirable to prevent the exploitation by individuals of the wealth that it would bo possible to create by the control of our water-falls. The Government considered that the time had now arrived to take the matter up with vigour, and proposals would be submitted shortly to undertake one or more power schemes and to extend the work from time to time, until all our larger centres of population have been supplied with hydroelectric power, and until our principal sources of energy have been turned to commercial advantage. It was proposed to devote about £500,000 per annum to thio work, and authority to raise this

amount would be asked for. Proposals for irrigation schemes for Central Otago would also be submitted. NATIONAL ANNUITIES. Referring to national annuities, Sir Joseph Ward said it was his intention to ask Parliament to place on the Statute Book this year a scheme for national annuities. The main aims of the bill of last year would be preserved, namely, those of providing an annuity for all men and women who choose to join the scheme; and, secondly, to relieve by contributions, in proportion to the number of children, the hardship which falls upon a worker’s home from his sickness or accident. The contributions would be low enough to enable any thrifty worker to obtain the benefits. By a moderate payment in the years of his or her prime, a contributor would be assured from want in old age or infirmity; widows and children of contributors would be provided with assistance, the widow during widowhood, and the children until the age of 14. Such a system would remove the fear of the worker as to his future, and that of those dear to him, and should do much to encourage thrift. HELPING THE MOTHER. Considerations, both of the State’s permanent welfare and of humanity, must, continued Sir Joseph Ward, impress our people with the wisdom of providing a scheme whereby the wives of low-waged workers and the poorer small settlers may be relieved of some of the anxiety which at present accompanies motherhood. Legislation will, therefore, be introduced this year providing for the co-operation of hospital boards with the Government to provide a proper measure of relief in these cases. Until an adequate supply of midwives and sufficient accommodation in our hospitals for maternity eases can be furnished; the hospital boards will be asked to make immediate arrangements for medical attendance upon expecting mothers in their own homes, the expense of attendance to be defrayed partly by contributions from the husband, and the remainder out of the Consolidated Fund. It is proposed that in the cases in question the Government should pay two-thirds. In order that this provision should not be abused, it would apply only in cases where the earnings of the worker or settler are under £ 200 a year. The scheme involved a good deal of detail provision. LABOUR BUREAUX. Turning next to the question of the unemployed, Sir Joseph Ward eaid legislation would be introduced providing that our different police stations throughout the country districts shall discharge the functions of local labour bureaux, the purpose being to furnish unemployed workers with reliable information as to where work may be obtained, and to furnish employers with similar information as to where labour is available.

ANTI-TRUST LEGISLATION. One of the disquietening features of our advancing civilisation, continued Sir Joseph Ward, is the parasitic growth of combinations, for the purpose of preying upon the body politic. It cannot be denied that there are many advantages in connection with production and distrioution on an extensive scale, but when smaller rivals are crushed out the temptation to exploit the consumer becomes irresistible. In all countries these trusts become predatory in character at a certain stage of their growth. Owing to the State owning the means of transport and communication, New Zealand cannot suffer as other countries have where trusts have got control of the railways, canals, and telegraph lines. The position is, however, sufficiently grave to warrant drastic legislative provisions to keep them in check.