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Hokitika Guardian, 2 March 1931, Page 4

The hr-t pinch of the Government economy proposals is being felt by the general public to-day with th» rjsc in postages and the increase in the cost of telegrams. New Zealand has enjoyed (heap postages ovoj- a long period. It led the world in penny postage, and gained much kudos for the stroke of administration which placed the country on a special plane. It also ted once in six penny telegrams, but more straightened times caused a fifty per cent, increase, and now the course of financial events involves an added toll. A shilling telegram is now the minimum both for ordinary and might letter messages. The doubling of the postage on letters is to be regretted, but can be viewed only as part of a scheme ns a whole. Mr Forbes has indicted very clearly that more money must be raised, and the postal and telegraphic services are expected to find £900.000 on account of the deficit. With so large n sum involved and possible to raise from the source, those touched by the increased levy can only feel that as users of the services they am doing their hit towards the common purpose—to keep the credit of the country sdnnd. The Postal and Telegraphic service in this country is a good one, and there is some satisfaction that such a useful return is given for the cost to the irer. The writing of letters or the despatch of telesmams, is with many optional, though with business matters it is obligatory to use the services, and in surh instances there is the value in quick' and safe service. For the time being, folk who write letters in a. social way may restrict their ontnut. but people soon get adapted to altered '■auditions, and in the end the extra oenalty on a letter will bo ac noted as a matter of course, and the volume of business will not show much decrease. As it is, many people of late have been using stamps which cost hWiO-pence as a contribution to the Cancer Fund, so that there has been that- amount of introduction to thp in-

creased postage. There will he a growl about the increased newspaper postage, hut here again the best will have to he made of the case. We may he sure the Government will he very reluctant to take the step it has. It is not a popular one, though Goveriimcntsr.ro usually credited with popularity hunting But the Government is attempting to do its duty as it sees it and .Mr lorlies has made it plain that he has undertaken his responsibility in this and other aspects only because lie is satisfied the step is necessary. It is therefore for the public te accept with tho best grace possible.