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Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1922, Page 2

As i result of the revolution of a deficit in the Dominion’s accounts for the year ended March last, the loading newspapers are calling for more economy. Even the Government organ in Wei. lington does not disguise the fact, but pleads for stringent national economy. This is hopeful, indicating that the Government will have the stern necessities pressed under its notice, and even if we arc on the eve of a general election must as a matter of self-preservation seek to recover not only the lost ground, but also by economies made good the position which will result this year b.V reason of shrinking revenues. It is not possible for the Government i to increase the burden of taxation. It I is now so high as to be an obstacle to progress and development. The volume of revenue lins a diminishing tendency, and with low prices for products, an increase cannot lie looked for readily. The public administration will have to he overhauled again. Assuming that the late cuts were of value in reducing expenditure, the next step will be to reduce staffs. Several departments appear to be overstaffed, in that there is evidence of constant over-lap. ping, There are inspectors for this and for that. Quo inspector is hardly out of ftp office before another is aluiig. With a depleted treasury, this is a tragic of off»iim, The 'futile* of tlieso

inspectors must needs bo looked into and the value of their work and worth investigated. The Public service Commissioners appear to have let the matters of the public service get quite out of hand ami the people pay the piper all the time. Unless the Government set about real reforms the Ministry will fare badly wheti the day of reckoning comes along.

Tim Royal visit to Belgium and France appears to lie one of those appropriate touches which King George can do in the right way at the right time. The visit of the King and Queen to the British war cemeteries in Belgium and France was a proper thing for their Majesties to do. It seemed to be the complementary act to the pomp and splendour with which Our Unknown Warrior was laid to rest ill Westminster Abbey. It was a kingly thing to do in any case, typifying tile Royal regard of the head of the nation for the hosts which laid down their lives the nation might be saved. But apart from all this, it was an opportune visit to make just when there was evidence of differences between Britain arid her neighboring Allies. It is clear front the cable news that.these differences are entirely political due in a great measure no doubt to the vanity of some of the statesmen involved. Not to put- too line a point on it, it seems the French Premier was bent upon the upsetting the Genoa Conference and he has succeeded at least in marring it and rob. bing it of its world-wide value. The King’s visit and his acts and resounding words will be an anti-dote to the strained relations which the French newspapers and some of the British also have not neglected to stress. From the British point of view it would appear if Mr Garvin’s story is to bo accepted and it is so circumstantial and impartial to leave no doubt on that aspect. British people have no occasion to regret Genoa. Mr Lloyd George has made a right and proper effort to appease the contending parties and bring about peace in Kurope. If he fails it will not lie his fault, nor to the disgrace of Great Britain.