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Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16266, 17 July 1918, Page 3

Expenditure of £16,000 a year _ on motor-cars —apart from renewals —is a considerable item for the Defence Department (says • tho Melbourne "Argus") It is at tho rate of about £300 a week, which even in war time has the appearance of being over the speed, limit. The Business Board recently appointed has heen looking into this form of extravagance, and a change for the better is expected. Ordinary business men-who have to pay for their own cars—or ride in a tramoar—have for some time been wondering what is the justification for the us© of motors in suburbs where officers of the various departments reside. A number of officials who before the war estimated themselves with becoming and fitting modesty, have in tli9 last few years assumed "an importance which thuy would be welcome to claim if they 'lid not ask that the expense of "keening it up" should rest, unon the taxpayer. Those officers who are never "orient unless thpy are "cutting a •'ndy' do no harm by the ignrwv>nt decision that they are run nine the wnr'. ■p'lt it becomes very cxnensive when + hey attaint to make the public pay for the deception.