THE Kaipara Advertiser, AND WAITEMATA CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY, DEC 17, 1913. THRIFT.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 17 December 1913, Page 2

THE Kaipara Advertiser, AND WAITEMATA CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY, DEC 17, 1913. THRIFT.

A Campaign to inculcate a practice of thrift has been started in America by a retired banker, Mr S. AY. Strauss, and is now spreading its iniluence throughout the country. Upon the advisory committee of the society, which was recently started in Chicago, are the gwernors of seven States ; and tlie object of its originator is that the gospel of thrift shall be taught to the nation through schools and educational bodies in every town and city. "Thrift," as described by Mr Strauss, is not niggardness, but wisdom ; not so much a matter of money as an attitude of mind. He Airther defines thrift as •' creative economy," and believes there can be no national thrift without community thrifty which soon narrows down to individual thrift with increased happiness and health. The society's propaganda is beingspread broad-cast in every possible way and is bound to have beneficial results. Although America's lead on some matters are not always wisely emulated without thorough investigation as to results, here is at least one lead which can be safely followed without fear. The teaching of thrift from its economic stand-point as against extravagance and waste is to be highly commended. In this country, however, the do ctrine of thrift is already having a practical demonstration. People are encouraged to provide their uwn pensions (National Provident Fund), and the younger generation aie encouraged to save by means of the Post Office Savings .Bank boxes which they keep -in their own homes until they have sufficient to make a deposit in the bank proper. But the doctrine of Mr Strauss,, if his bulletins and letters are published in extenso, will at least encourage the schemes already in operation here, which are designed to help people to help themselves and are sure to have a good effect in consequence.