Economy as an Art.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 449, 26 February 1890, Page 3

Economy as an Art.

,sse redly it is an art to economise—one which, like all talents, may be cultivated. Economy does not mean to pinch and to be stingy, in order to gratify an ambition bo grow rich in worldly possessions. It does not demand a denial of moderate luxuries and the pleasures of a comlorfcable existence so that dollar upon dollar can be laid aside. By no means; that would be parsimony. One may practice the strictest economy, and yet have plenty and be liberal. Prudence and a judicious management of capital at hand, never making an expenditure recklessly, without reflection —this 13 what constitutes true economy. It is not so much the amount paid out, as for what purpose that sum, however small, has been spent. The great secret of success in practical economy lies in a careful consideration of petty expenses, and a rational distinction between what is essential and what superfluous. The smallest item should nob be considered undeserving of recognition. Under no circumstances should the expenses exceed the income. It is always more profitable to pay “ cash down ” than to contract a debt, which should not be done unless it is absolutely unavoidable. Never should an indebtedness be incurred in anticipation of an expected gain. Expectations are nob realisations ; ihe debt is certain and must be met, but the gain—well, “ there is many a slip.” Economy should be practised in time of youth, its result to be prudently preserved for unforeseen sickness, need, misfortune, and inevitable feeble and helpless old age. Its observance calls for no peculiar trait of character in the individual ; it simply requires determination and strength of will to resist selfish gratification. Further, it may demand education ; that is, that the power of extravagant habit must be trained to succumb to the power of economic education. The man of opulence, through whose hands pass hundreds and thousands of dollars daily, and the labourer who each day toils for his only dollar, both, in one form or another, practice economy. Though the former may have his millions, the drain on his bank account is proportionately heavier. To a certain extent, he is bound to practice almost rigid economy in order to control the wealth he lias amassed. It depends not upon how much we have, bub how to keep together that which we possess.