Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Thursday 17 November 1921, page 6


LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY.

Criticism of the State Budget proposals came freely from members of the Legislative Assembly yesterday, but behind it all was the recognition that Victoria is fortunate in its Treasurer. Expression was given to this belief by Mr. Greenwood, member for Boroondara, and his declaration that the State could not afford to lose the services of Mr. McPherson at this juncture evoked murmurs of approval. Having spoken in this complimentary fashion, Mr. Greenwood proceeded to talk plainly of the failure of Ministries generally to heed warnings of possible financial rocks ahead. Mr. Eggleston spoke even more definitely of the coming crisis, and predicted that wheat next year would he sold for half the present price, while other

primary products would also yield a less

profitable return.

Although there were not more than half a dozen members present during the time that Mr. Eggleston was speaking, he had to seek protection from the Chairman against interjectors. For a time he was subjected to a searching cross-ex-amination by Mr. Hogan on the question of meat prices and freights, and a little later he was taken to task by the Treasurer, ' who denied that there was need for pessimism.