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Hokitika Guardian, 3 August 1917, Page 2

In respect to the effort of the National Efficiency Board to restrict what considered luxuries, the Minister oi Finance has something to say. Proposals put ■ forward by the Board suggested certain restrictions, "" ll “ Customs estimate will cost the revenue £230,000. This is more than the Minister can spare, and he opens up the question of economy and efficiency as proposed by the Board, with the following comment: “While I entire v sympathise with the objects oi the Board, I regret that, from full enquiries there are so many difficulties i n the way that I am not able to give effect to the Board’s recommendation. If this were done I should have t,o obtain The deficiency of revenue by some other means of taxation. At present it is impossible to give up revenue without restoring an equal amount through some other avenije'.’ 'bat hits off the position very accurately, and suggests that before the Board puts forth bald proposals for what, on the surface, appear legitimate action, it should look to the obverse side also, and see how restrictions and loss are to bo made good. Just whether these matters should work out their own destiny by the recognised rule of supnly and demand, or whether new rules should be forced on the people and prohibition enforced by various ways, Sir Josenli Ward lias decided m instance by leaving matters t 0 , their own course, first put.ing on the screw SO that those who wish may have what they want, but they must pay. more loi their pleasure. At this juncture wi.b seems tho safest course to pursue.