NEW ZEALAND’S BILL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1741, 16 October 1917, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND’S BILL.

Now Zealand’s Avar expenditure of £2,200,000 a month is a striking reminder of Avhat our part in the Avar is costing. A population of a million peo]ffe (including Avomen and children) is hoav responsible for furnishing over £500,000 a Aveek. And that population is diminishing in man poAver, for by March next fully 100,000 men Avill have been sent aAvay in expeditionary forces or preparing to go, of Avhom 10,000 are married men. The country has put its hand to the plough, and Avill not look back, says the Post. At the same time, the proposal of the Prime Minister to have the Avhole of this huge expenditure revieAved by a Commission Avill be reassuring to all liable for meeting it. It may be taken for granted that nothing Avill be done as a result of the proposed investigation to impair the strength and efficiency of the forces already engaged in and yet to be prepared for active service. The time has fully come for some such stocktaking as is contemplated. The Commission may be able to suggest substantial savings that could be effected Avithout in any way reducing the value of the part Ncav- Zealand has played in the Avar, and the shouldering really of her just share in her OAvn defence.