The Dominion. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1915. END OF THE BUDGET DEBATE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2563, 10 September 1915, Page 4

The Dominion. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1915. END OF THE BUDGET DEBATE

The Budget debate, which was brought to a conclusion last night, has provided a convincing justification of the country's decision in favour of tho l discontinuance of party politics as long as the war lasts. Taken as a whole, the debate has been characterised by good feeling, plainspoken yet friendly criticism, and a high sense of responsibility. The financial proposals of tho National Ministry, formed for the purpose of dealing with a great national crisis, arc entitled -to the sympathetic consideration of members, and there is no room for complaint as regards tho matter and tone of the speeches. The speakers manifested a real desire to be helpful, and both the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister frankly admitted that many valuable suggestions had been made. The debate showed that members recognised tho duty of exercising that "wise discrimination" in criticising the Government at tho present critical juncture to which Sir Joseph Ward referred in closing the discussion. No previous Parliament in the history of New Zealand lias had to faco such momentous issues. Sir Joseph Ward pointed out last night that it is impossible to estimate with anything like certainty the amount of money which will have to be raised in order to meet the country's obligations in connection with the war. The position, he said, will not be fully known until twelve months after the war is over. This fact fjughb .to iayycts uapn thsJ

'urgent necessity of husbanding the nation's resources. In this matter tho Government must give a firm lead, and it is satisfactory, therefore, to note the new emphasis which the Minister of Finance placc'd upon tho need for caution and economy, j We are constantly being told that no i part of the Empire is in a better position to stand the strain than is New Zealand; and this is in the main true. It should encourage and hearten us to know this, but wc must not oil this account take any unnecessary risks or incur any unnecessary expenditure. Wc have to consider tho need not only'of doing our utmost to bring the war to a triumphant issue,, but also of taking the best measures for ensuring that the country shall be- in as sound a financial as possible after tho great conflict is over. Sin Joseph Ward's statement that the Government would have to exercise strict economy in its administration and _ make savings wherever possible will _ meet with general approval. It is reassuring to bo told that all Departments of State will be required to economise, and that "luxuries" in ordinary administration and also in regard to public works will be. eliminated. Ministers have stated that a saving of something like £300,000 has been made on last year's Estimates, *and that, in tho altered circumstances, some of tho sums appearing on this year's Estimates will not be spent. This is a matter which will warrant the closest attention of Ministers. In England the Coalition Government has called to its assistance a special tribunal, including business men outside of politics, to inquire into various branches of public expenditure, and to suggest possible savings. This may not be necessary here, but all public expenditure should bo closely scrutinised and all waste and extravaganco ruthlessly cut off. The people of New Zealand will ungrudgingly give the Government all the money.it requires for war purposes, and for carrying on the absolutely necessary business of tho country. ■