AN INTERVIEW.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 August 1921, Page 1

AN INTERVIEW.

NECESSITY FOR. RETRENCHMENT. fBY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION! WELLINGTON, Aug. 5. Interviewed on the need for economy in the public service, stressed in speeches made at the annual' meeting of the AYellington Chamber of Commerce, Sir F. D. Bell said the railway cut atnnounced, which was in course of preparation long before the speeches referred to were made, shows jCabinet recognises the need for economy and is prepared to do what it can in the direction of economising in the Government services. The difficulty is that all branches of the public servieei are subject to classification lists, and it will probably require the intervention of Parliament before any great retrenchment can be carried out. In the meantime, a certain number of temporary employees who might he dispensed with have been kept on. but it is no large number, and it was principally in connection with various public works throughout the Dominion. He was keeping public works on at a rate that he ought not to, having regard to the present financial position, but the Government, in view of existing irn. employment, did not wish to throw men nut of work during the winter months, and he was utilising the funds at his disposal so ns to give as much employment a s possible. Tn any ease, said Sir Francis, the number of these men is not large, and did not afford an opportunity for any great retrenchment. When Parliament met the matter would no doubt have to he further considered.