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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1934-05-03, Page 2THURSDAY, MAY sM,THE EXETER TIJVJES-ADVOCATE rnlpman instant-gas VSJ^nian lanterns ood Light—Every Nigi Coleman Lanterns are always ready for any lighting job, any time, in any weather. Light instantly , . , no preheating. The New No, 242 Coleman Sport- Lite is just the light for any camping, touring or fishing trip. Small in size but big in brilliance. Only 12 inches high?, yet gives up to 150 candlepower of pure white light. Weight only 3 lbs. Single mantle type. Pyrex glass globe protects mantle. It’s a double-duty light for indoors or out. Model No. 22OB Coleman Lantern is a sturdy, dependable general duty MODEL No. 2*2 Retail Price $7.95 light. 14% inches high. Two-mantle type. Produces Green enamel porcelain MODEL No. 220B Retail Price ,$10.95 ~ up to 300 candlepower of clear steady light, top, clear mica chimney, every modern feature. THE COLEMAN LAMP AND STOVE COMPANY, Lid. TORONTO, 6, ONTARIO ASK YOUR DEALER W. H. Goulding, South Huron Member Takes Part in Budget Debate at Ottawa In rising to make a few observa­ tions of this 1934 budget, I hope that my hon. friend opposite will not consider me dicourteous if I do not follow him in his remarks. I need hardly say to the members of this house that this is only the sec­ ond time I have had the privilege of hearing Mr. Rhodes deliver his ad­ dress. One year ago it was my priv­ ilege to hear the hon, gentleman de­ liver an .address when introducing his 1933 budget, which I think, for composition and for delivery, should go down in the records of this house comparing favourably with an ad­ dress given by any of our previous ministers, of finance. I think the present minister deserves our con­ gratulations. on the very efficient way in which his budget is prepared and also on the excellent manner in which he delivers" his address, and I want to assure my hon. friend that it was a pleasure to me to have had the privilege of listening to his ad­ dress one year ago, as it also was a i pleasure to have the privilege listening to his address again Wednesday last. I shall always look back on address last year as one of the standing incidents in my first perience as a member of the House of Commons. I remember very well I had a great deal of sympathy with the minister at that time because I did feel that he was introducing in his budget many things which he must have, known were going to af­ fect seriously many citizens in a way in which I am sure he had no desire to see them affected. Indeed, I re­ member that on one occasion, when we were discussing the items of that budget in committee, the Minister of Finance was visibly affected some criticism to the effect that did not care what certain classes our citizens had to contend with the hardships they had to endure. I want to- be fair to- the minister and I may say that I did not share in that criticism, because I believe that he is a very humane person and has an interest in and a great deal of anxiety for all classes of citizens. Naturaly therefore I had a good deal of sympathy with them because I felt that circumstances had placed him in a position where he was ad­ vocating a policy which was going to have an effect that ordinarily he would have no desire to see brought about. I recall also one incident when we were 'discussing the budget in com­ mittee last year. The question was asked the minister as. to what he expected the saving would be thro’ the reduction in the salaries, of civil servants and others. He replied that he estimated that the saving would be approximately $8,0(00,000, The hon. member for Temiscouata (Mr. Rouliet) mmediately rose and asked the minister then the ques­ tion what he estimated the loss in revenue would be through the re­ duction on two articles of luxury, namely cigarettes and liquor. Again the minister’s answer was that, with the same volume of business, it would be approximately $8,000,000. In other word, the saving that was ef­ fected by the reduction in the sal-1 aries of civil servants and others was going to be entirely offset by the reduction in the tax on these two articles of luxury. I think that is certainly reversing the order of things, because I believe it is the duty of governments to see that there is no reductoin on any articles of luxury if such reduction means an increase on articles which are the very necessities, of life. Now there were in that budget of last year certain things which were bound to create a great deal of crit­ icism throughout the country, and that is particularly true ni regard to the tax that was imposed on sugar. I am very glad to see that the government have realized their mis- of on by he of or take in placing the tax on that com­ modity and have reduced it by at least fifty per cent, Tt did seem to me that the tax was quite unjustifi­ able in view of the fact, as 1 have pointed out before, that there was a reduction to a great extent on two articles of luxury. It was manipu­ lation such as this that created a great deal of criticism and discus­ sion all over the country, I remember that when discussing the budget last year I made the statement that it was a typical Tory budget, its outstanding features be­ ing taxes, tariffs and deficits; and having had an opportunity of con­ versing with my constituents since that time I have found that I was expressing the opinion of the great majority of them when I made that, statement. There was another thing that re­ ceived a good deal of discussion last year and about which there were ! many complaints, and that was the advantage that many had gained at the expense of the government by what was supposed to be a leak in connection with the tax that was in­ tended to be and actually was plac­ ed on sugar. From all parts of the country complaints came pouring In with regard to this so-called leak, and I believe 'the minister did en­ deavor to locate the source of it. Whether he was successful in that task I do not know, but I do know that the peo-ple resented information of that kind being spread abroad before the actual presentation of tne budget itself. I am glad to know that nothing of that sort is occurring this year, and I think the minister should be congratulated on that. If we go back to the last federal election we cannot help remember­ ing the promises and predictions made by members of the governmen t as to what w-ould happen if they were given control of the country’s affairs; and bearing those premises and predictions in mind it is -cer­ tainly interesting to review what has actually taken place in the presen­ tation of the various budgets that have been brought down by this gov­ ernment. If, we turn to- the 191311 budget, which was the first one in­ troduced by the present government, we find that taxation began immed­ iately to increase. That budget was introduced by the Prime Minister, who was acting as Minister of Fi­ nance and almost his first words were to announce a duty on tea, an increase in the postage stamp tax, a raising of the sales tax from one to four per cent., the levying of a tax on coal, and burdening us with num­ erous other farms of taxation such as increases in the tariff on many essential articles, all of which plac­ ed a burden on the people at a time when they were least able to bear such a burden. There is no doubt that this had a very depressing effect not only on business in .Canada but every citizen. But if I may put the matter in this way, there was a sil­ ver lining to the dark cloud that was settling over the Canadian people at that time because the Prime Minister was then introducing a real budget, something which, ac­ cording to our hon. friends opposite, had not been done for some time. The silver lining to this dark! cloud was the fact those increased taxes were going to provide the govern­ ment with a splendid surplus at the end of the fiscal year and with this assurance of course the people took meet they what year? the I courage and went forward to the financial burden which knew lay before them. But happened at the end of the Imagine the consternation of people when at the end of the year they found not the expected surplus but a very substantial deficit, and, according to the public accounts, ah increase in the public debt of some $114,0001,000! Now we come to the 1932 budget Terrible Backaches For Years Could Not Sleep at Night Mrs. Fred Forth, Wetaskiwin,. Alta., writes:—“I wish to thank you for your medicihe, Doan’s Kidney Pills. For several years I had terrible backaches that were so bad I could not sleep at night. I tried all kinds of medicine without getting any relief. One day a friend asked me to try Doan’s Kidney Pills and after using one box I felt much better; after using two boxes I was completely relieved and, could enjoy a full night’s sleep. For sale at all drug and general stores; put Up only by The T. Milbuith Co., Limited, Toronto, Ont. which was introduced by the present Minister of Finance and which in­ cluded further additional burdens of taxation. Indeed, it was conceded, I think, to be one of the most burden­ some budgets so far as taxation was concerned, that was ever submitted to the house. But once more the country was led to believe that with the additional taxation imposed at that time it would have a surplus at the end of the fiscal year. In that budget the sales tax was increased in the excise tax on cheques, tele­ grams, railway tickets, long distance telephone calls and almost every­ thing one could imagine. But after all the additional taxes that were imposed by that budget, what did we find at the end of the year? We found not the expected surplus but a very substantial deficit and again, according to the public accounts, an increase in the public debt of some $220,000,0(00. That brings us to the 1933 bud­ get and we will remember the addi­ tional taxes that were imposed last year. The minister in his address on Wednesday last had to announce another deficit and another addition to the public debt of $135,000,000. The point I wish to make is that notwithstanding all the promises, arguments and predictions that were made as to what would happen were the present government returned to power, we have found in each and every budget presented by the gov­ ernment in comparison with the 1930 budget, the last one introduced by the Liberal party, increased taxa­ tion, increases in the public -debt, increases in tariffs, in fact, an in­ crease all along the line. That is not a new experience for our hon. friends opposite or for the party they re­ present because if we review the re­ cord of the Conservative Party since Confederation, we find that only four times have they been able to show a reduction in the public debt, as the following figures will prove: Reduction in public debt $ --------- Year 1871 1882 1912 1913 On the other hand the part represented sit on this side of the House, the Liberal Party, have had eleven years in which they have been able to show a very substantial reduction in the public debt, as follows: Reduction in public debt 779,000 10,222,0'0'01 730,000 3,13171,000 35,993,000 345,0010' 27,7'016,000 41,896,000 50,984,000 71,3415,000 47,740>,0'00 5 0(3/000 1,73 4,00-0( 122,000. 25,617,000 we find that by those who Year 1900 1903 1904 19 0 7 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 I think we ought also to point out that the Liberal Party have control­ led the.affairs of the country for some twenty-nine years since Confederation, while the Conserva­ tive Party and Union Governments have been in control for • twenty­ eight years. The point I would like to make there is that the Conserva­ tive party have had more opportun­ ities to show what they -were able to do in a financial way than have the Party on this side of the House. That represents a true picture of the financial accomplishments o-f the two Parties. Much has been said in regard to our trade with the United (States. I remember very well during the last federal campaign the amount of dis­ cussion that took place as to our un­ favorable balance of trade. It was stated in my constituency that if this government were returned to power, that unfavorable balance would be wiped out. "What do we find has happened since this government has come into power? Notwithstanding all the trade barriers that have been in effect and notwithstanding the rate of exchange which has. existed and which in itself has been a very substantial tariff, we find that for the years 1931, 1932, and 1933 there is still an unfavorable balance of trade of an average of $113(8,000,000 per annum. There is something significant in that; I think it proves conclusively that out natural mar­ ket for much of our basic produce lies to the south of us. In view of that I still believe it would be splen­ did if these two countries get to­ gether and agree on some reciprocal trade arrangement which would mutually beneficial. I fully appreciate the fact that present government has done its most to control imports by raising tariffs, by imposing the dumping duty and by every other method possible, but apparently it forgets that it is quite impossible to reduce imports without at the same time reducing our exports, and our trade figures are grim reminders indisputable fact. I would put on Hansard our trade just to show how as the were reduced, export were in almost the same proportion: 1923 $ 802,000,000 $ 945,000,000 1924 .......................................... 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 ... 19(3(4 est. 443,000,000 (579,00'0,000 Looking at those figures one sees that as the imports were reduced export were reduced corresponding­ ly, • The figures tell their own story and demonstrate the point I have been endeavoring to make. When we remember the bitter and extreme criticism that was directed against the Liberal government in the last federal campaign, how our friends opposite were almost in tears over the alleged neglect of the Inter­ ests ot the farmers, and how they blamed and condemned the Liberal party for not securing more markets and higher prices for their poducts; and when we see now articles and interviews In the press endeavoring to show the splendid trade that they say is being built up between the United Kingdom and Canada, I •b be i the ut- of this like to figures imports reduced 893,000,000 796,000,000 927,000,000 1,030,000,000 1,108,'000,000 1,265,000,000 1,248,000,000 906,000,000 587,000,000 406,000,000 think it would he well for us to turn back the pages to recall the volume of trade that existed between Can* ada and the United Kingdom at the very time to which this criticism relates. I was interested in the campaign in our own constituency, and I took particular notice of the arguments advanced by the support­ ers of our hon. friends opposite. What do we find was the condition that existed at that time? In 1930 our imports from the United King­ dom amounted to $198,000,000 and exports to $283,000,000. That is the the time at which this criticism was aimed against us. In 1933 imports had fallen to $185,000,000. For the present year, when all this splendid trade is said to have been built up, returns for 11 months indicate that imports amounted to $9'5,000/000 and exports to $204,000/000 far from approaching the values of 1930 There is another feature I wish to touch on. I have noticed that the comparisons of trade figures sent out by the Department of Trade and ■Commerce are made between the years 1933 and 193 2. In view of the arguments made in 1930 I sun- mit that comparison should bo be­ tween 1933 and 19130. That is. the year when, as I said, our hon. friend Were almost in tears— Mr. McINTOSH: Crocodile tears. Mr. GOLDING:—owing to the ter­ rible low prices that the farmers were receiving for his produce. That is the year the Liberal party was condemned in every way, shape and form for its alleged neglect to sec­ ure markets for farm products. And in view of all the arguments at that time I think anyone who is at all fair will agree that all comparisons should now be made between the years 1930 and 1933. I need hardly say that I do not wish to be too critical of the actions of the government. I fully realize that they are having their difficult­ ies and troubles and have many hard problems to face. I believe that in their way they are endeavouring to give the best service they can. That service, whether we realize it or not, is taking its annual toll. One need only look at the change in the per­ sonnel of the federal and provincial cabinets of this country to. realize the toll that is being taken from year to year, the price that is being paid by those who are endeavoring to car­ ry the burden and responsibility of government. Therefore I do not want it to appear that I am not sympath­ etic with our hon. friends opposite or anyone else who is carrying such a responsibility. " ’ pathy for them, are pursuing a wrong policy, and they are makim. their task all the more difficult by so doing, As a representative of a rural constituency it is my duty to oppose any policy which I believe is not in the best interest of the .coun­ try. I think I can fully appreciate the position of the government in re­ gard to the expansion of trade; prac- “jtically every country in the world is engaged in this policy of tariff com- ' petition. We have entered the scrap ’ also, and it is this policy which is so 1 seriously affecting not only the ’ trade of Canada but the trade of ev ’ ery country in the world. In the in­ terests of the farming community of this country it is absolutely necess­ ary that the tariff on commodities that the agriculturist uses should come down. I am perfectly satisfied that that has to come about. I have been rather amused since I became a member of the house by arguments advanced by some hon. members op­ posite. Some tell us that as far as the two oltl parties are there is little or their outook in have heard hon. government side that the average very little since meat took.1 office. On the other hand the Prime Minister frankly and hon­ estly tells this, house and the country that they saved the situation by im- .posnig tariffs of height. I attended many meetings in our constituency during the last federal election, and if I understood the English language at all correct- ; ly those representing the party on the other side tried to make the people believe that they were going to save the situation if they were elected by imposing higher and still higher tariffs. Mr. 1CA1SGRAIN: Prohibitive tar­ iffs. IMr. GOLDING: I.think the Prime (Minister tells the truth when he tells the house and the country that that is what1 he did. That is one promise at any rate that he carried out. Mr. (CASGRAIN: The only one. Mr. GOLDING: The imperial econ­ omic conference provided a splendid opportunity for this country and for the British Empire to set an example to the world by reducing tariffs. It is well known that at the opening of that conference the Right Hon. Staney Baldwin expressed the hope that that would be 'done. But we all know that the very opposite took place, and I refuse to believe that that has not seriously affected our trade prospects in more ways than one. It is all right to. tell us of the splendid trade we are building up between the British Empire and our­ selves; that is all very fine, but let me say once more that I am satisfied that many markets, to which we might have ’had access have been Closed to us to a certain degree at any rate as a result of the action taken at that conference, There is another point on which I should like to touch for a few mo­ ments; that is the problem of our debt. I must confess that last year I was disappointed with the ac­ tion taken by the government in re­ gard to the loan floated at that time; I ddi think! the interest rates would have been lowered to a much great­ er extent than was the case, lieve this whole debt problem be dehit with in a courageous Interest rates in this country come down if we are going to* ___ through, and I stand solidly behind any policy which will bring about a readjutment of our structure, Australia problem in a manly way; the United Kingdom did likewise, and there is no question but that their position has been very materially Improved I have every sym- But i believe they wrong course, a concerned no. difference in regard to tariffs. 1 members on the endeavour to- show tariff has increased the present govern- unpredecented i I be- must yvay. must come whole debt tackled this. TITEIAP E.S.P. Barn Ventilators Prevent spontaneous combustion. Priced from $5 up. 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"Galvenamelled Rib-Roll A durable, fire-proof, galvanized roofing and siding in attractive, permanent colors, for your house or any other building. Cannot warp, shrink, crack, curl or bulge. Another unequalled roofing value.' Preston Galvanized Tanks Special values now, Write for prices. Pr«ston Barn Door Hardware We can eave you © money on your "JSbarn door hard- MSware. Write for ss prices. Preston Steel Truss Barns and Implement Buildings bulge. Another nets Guelph Street PRE ETON, ONT. Factories also at Montreal and Toronto "Tile-Lap" applied with Statite Led-Hed Nails Note nailing space—4 inches apart across end of sheet. "Tite- Lap” is especially suited for re-roofing. Absolute weather tightness assured. STAT I T E (.Patent ULfg-jlwzdAM/zr A^ed A drive-screw nail, latest development of the Preston Led-Hed Nail. Takes five times as much foree to draw it out of a sheathing board as a standard barbed roof­ ing nail. as a result. I see no reason in the world why we in Canada should not endeavor courageausly to deal with this problem also. The debt of our country, federal, provincial and municpal is ing at an alarming rate, particularly true in regard federal debt. What is the the government boasting splendidly they have come the depression when practically ev­ erything that has been done has been accomplished with borrowed money? What is the use of boasting of our splendid balance of trade when wo are being swallowed by the quick­ sands of debt? I think the financial critic o-f the Liberal party, speaking on the budget this afternoon, made the statement that the increase in the national debt since this govern­ ment came into power amounted to something like $596,000,(0.00. Wre can hardly conceive that this amount has been added to our national debt. I beliece the hon. member for Van­ couver Centre (Mr. Mackenzie) gave the members of this house some­ thing to speak about when he point­ ed out, during the course of an ad­ dress not so very long ago, that since the war, in interest charges alone, this country has paid the enormous sum of over $1,900,0'00,000. These are staggering figures and I think the government should give serious consideration! to this whole debt problem. I would suggest, Mr. speaker, that there are other problems to which serious consideration should be given in order to give our people a chance to come through. The various gov­ ernments of this country should take immediate steps to deal with the problem of the cost of government in Canada. This may require big changes in the British North America Act; if so, well and good. I am quite satisfied, however, that it *s the general opinion among all class­ es of citizens that we are being gov­ erned and legislated to death. It does not matter where you go, whether it is on the street, in the church, on the farm, in the factory or in the business places; you hear this, matter discussed by everyone, and it is a problem with which the Canadian people will have to deal. In my opinion a committee should be set^ up by the federal governments which should be representative of business, industry and the great masses of people, to investigate and report as to. the solution of what I consider to be one of our greatest problems. I do not know that It would not be beneficial to have all politcians excluded from that com­ mittee, in the interests of the Cana­ dian people; that is my opinion. Now I should like to sa.y a few words in regard to the Liberal policy in connection with external trade. Hon. gentlemen opposite tell us that we have no policy. Let me give the policy behind which we stand, which was announced in this house by our leader: The Liberal party believes that trade is the basis of industrial and ' commercial development, and that Canada needs trade. It will promote trade with all na­ tions and negotiate trade agreement : with any countries willing to trade with 'Canada on a reciprocal basis. It will abolish al unwarranted ex- ■ creases in the tariff made by the present administration, which have : had the effect of strangling trade, : exploiting consumers and robbing railways of business. It wil abolish all unwarranted ex- ' tra taxes on imports, such as. the ex- < 'Change and dumping duties, as im- i posed by the present administration ; It will end the making and alter- : ing of tariffs by executive action, increas- This is to our use of of how through It will substitute stability for un­ certainty in the administration of customs laws. It will continue the Liberal policy of British preference by a pereent- ago reduction in existing tarifrs rather than by a percentage incroa>e against foreign .countries in exist­ ing tariffs. It will grant to British imports a real preference. In that connection, Mr. Speaker, while hon. gentlemen opposite may take a lot of credit for having put through the empire treaties and having practically forced the United Kingdom to adopt the policy of pro­ tection, I am satisfied that it will not be very long before they deeply re­ gret having done so. I have been read ing and watching the developments, in the United Kingdom, and I am sorry to say that in my own mind I am persuaded that we are going to be up against a stone wall before many years have passed so far as the export of our products is con­ cerned. MICHAEL EGAN PASSES Born near St. Marys 7 9 years ago and having lived there all his life, .‘Michael Egan formery C. N. R. en­ gineer, passed away at his home, late Tuesday afternoon of last week, after a lingering illness. In religion he embraced the Ro­ man Catholic faith and was a mem­ ber of Holy Name Church St. Marys. His wife, who was formerly (Margar­ et Phalen, survives him, as well as two sons and two daughters. E. J. RUMBALL A native of Huron County, hav­ ing been born near Ebenezer J. Rumball, home Goderich, aged 78. Foi’ many years Mr. Rumball conducted a fur­ niture manufacturing business in •Goderich and was well known to the trade through-out Western Ontario. Over '50 years ago he married Miss Christina McGregor, of Hensail, who with two children survives. The Children are Caswell J. Rumball, of Toronto and Mrs. Wm. Webster, of Goderich. Two brothers surviving are Fred and William Rumball, both, of London. Dungannon, died at his traffic officers to take FIRST-AID COURSE Being a traffic officers isn't such a simple job as it looks. Besides knowing all about police work, studying law and a few other things a provincial traffic officer must now know something about medicine. Each of the 20 traffic officers in the London district has been sup­ plied with a first-aid kit. From now On his motorcycle will be a travell­ ing hospital, The officer must now know all. about giving injured people first aid and must carry his medicine kit along on his machine, The traffic officer is usually one of the first persons on the scene of an accident. He will now be able to give emergency treatment to in­ jured and in this way may save lives which would otherwise be lost