Not only is the tribute paid by Mr. Andrew Williamson
Williamson's speech, but because I consider that his to the Australian Government and the Australian people summary of the position in Australia may well serve as an inspiration at a moment when Great Britain is a merited one, but I think it may also serve at this moment as a reminder of the fact that we are not alone in experiencing a fresh strain on her endurance in connexion with the War Debts problem. I doubt if there is one heroic effort made by Australia may be taken as a guaran- country in the world which can be held wholly blameless . tee of the fortitude of the Empire as a whole, and 'of its for the troubles which it has had to face during the post- War period. For the War itself, neither Britain nor determination to face unitedly not only the problem of her Allies were in the remotest degree responsible,. but War Debts, but all that is involved in the financial and commercial- the financial policy pursued during the post-War years Great War. disturbance which has followed upon the is another matter. In the case of Australia there can be no question that both before and after the War the . SOME STRIKING FIGURES. extravagance of successive Governments, the excessive How greatly Australia, in particular, is affected by the borrowing abroad and the high costs of production fall in prices of commodities was well deinonstrated by brought the country into a condition making it peculiarly Mr. Williamson in his reference to Australian trade during
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