NATIONAL ECONOMY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 290, 6 July 1917, Page 4 (Supplement)

NATIONAL ECONOMY.

A fact specially noted by Mr. Boaucliamp is that in spite of the increased cost of living, and other seeming handicaps, the spending power of the com. in unity appears to he in no way restricted. Tiie need for national economy is being constantly proclaimed, but, unfortunately, to ail appearances is being, as constantly, largely ignored. Kxtrav. agaiuc is rife, and the. lavish expenditure which is being mad., on dross and pleasure at the present time is, as Mr. Bcauciiamp says, very regrettable. He attributes it to the fact that the baleful effects of the war have hardly reached our shores; that so far thoconsequonco upon us, financially, has been entirely beneficial —the prices of our primary products having been forced, by war conditions, up to levels never before dreamt of —and that, with this unexampled prosperity sunounding them, th;- majority of our people are prone to close their eyes to the grim and portentous happenings on the other side of the world. Ho concludes: "With ali th > requisites of s.df-indulgoncc lying ready to our hands, it requires the oxcivi.-e of .some restraint to bo other than self-indulgent. Uut the time has cum,, fur a halt, and tor taking serious stock of the position. The demand loa more economical code of living in a'l parts of the Hriti>h KinpirVi is becoming clearer end more in-l.nt, and 1 apprehend ib.it, i! the war continues, Ihe call for greater economy in t\'< national outlay will ere long bo |*ro ohiimed iu ways that will U- < essitale a iiiiiio genuine i'i<-pou<o than has so far been given to Ihe appe il."