THE NEED FOR ECONOMY.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 September 1915, Page 4

THE NEED FOR ECONOMY.

In criticising the Budget in the House on Wednesday, the member for Egmont (Mr. C. A. Wilkinson) was somewhat severe, but he provided a very useful contribution to the debate, and is deserving of much commendation for his outspoken and timely advocacy of a policy of active retrenchment. Basking in the sunshine of unparalleled prosperity, the people of New Zealand are liable to forget' that there are such things as clouds of depression, and it is as well that they should be reminded that at this time of national crisis the need for economy is imperative in all departments of life and in all the activities of the State. There should be an absolute consensus of opinion that the Government ought to set the example in cutting dp.wn ar.d,.Mr, Wilkinson acted wisely and well in pressing this on the Ministry. He pointed out that in 1887 a quarter of a million was saved by retrenchment. He might have added that the Massey Government when taking office was pledged to economical administration, but that their administration from the first was/characterised by increased instead of decreased expenditure, and that the promised economies to be secured by the Civil Service Commissioners are still promises that have not materialised. The public will doubtless agree with Mr. Wilkinson that reductions of considerable extent can be effected, beginning with the honorarium of Members of Parliament, extending' to the salaries of Ministers, and including a five or ten per cent, reduction in the remuneration of highly paid officers of the various departments. In addition to this, curtailment of the Btaffs could probably be effected without danger to efficiency. Where there is a will, there is a way, and though the cutting down process is naturally a distasteful task, it is none the less a necessary one. It is hardly just to call upon the taxpayers to bear heavier burdens than are actually necessary. The principle of increasing expenditure—a factor that presses on the people—without taking heed of the burden it creates is neither sound nor equitable. It is all very well to act on the assumption that the people must pay, but when large economies can be made so as to lighten the call on the taxpayers in a time of exceptional stress it is the duty of the Government to use the pruning knife as much as possible. Moreover, it would be a much needed object lesson to the people, and bring home to them more than anything else the need for private as well as public economy. It is to be hoped that Mr. Wilkinson/s remarks will bear fruit.