DRASTIC ECONOMY.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 September 1921, Page 4

DRASTIC ECONOMY.

It would seem that the British Government is in earnest over the introduction of drastic economy in departmental expenditure. The innovation that took place during the war of enlisting the services of the best men available outside Government circles in order to cope with problems needing expert solution, appears to have been adopted in connection with cutting down expenditure, with the result that a business men’s economy committee was set up, and the indications are that the inquiry has been as t.horoug'h and exhaustive as could only have been the case when men well qualified to deal with the matter were in charge of the investigations. A recent cable states that the committee has found ways of saving hundreds of millions in the next Estimates, Such an announcement almost takes one’s breath away, and certainly testifies to the searching nature of .the inquiry. It is only fair to say that some of the reforms suggested are matters of policy, and will require to be considered by the Government, but the report will assuredly open up visions of a rapid stabilisation of finances, and, what is of equally vital importance, an appreciable reduction in the present pressure on the taxpayers. The step taken by the Government in appointing tin independent committee of business men is one that cannot be too highly commended. It is in marked contrast with the absurd farce which the Dominion Government, in spite of protests, adopted of setting up a departmental committee to practically sit in judgment on themselves. The matter is one that may well occupy the attention of the next session of Parliament, for nothing is more certain than that no effective measure of reform in the cost of departmental administration in New Zealand will ever take place unless, and until, there has been a full inquiry by competent 'business men, whoso verdict will carry such weight that the recommendations. cannot be ignored. The sooner such a committee is set up. the better will it be for the taxpayers, t'he public, and the credit of the country.