COST OF GOVERNMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 305, 26 December 1931, Page 6

COST OF GOVERNMENT.

With ; reference to the protest of the, civil servants with regard, to the economy measures taken by .the late Government, and the further measures proposed by : the present one, they seem, as far as the rank and file fare concerned, to be justified in their protest, against the pressure brought to bear" on the Government by the Associated Chambers of Commerce. However, it is more than probable that the chambers of commerce are- not attacking the workers but the officers ;of the public services in their demands for economy. It is !of little use hiding the fact that 'there are far too many officers in both national and local body services. I. suggest • that if these well-paid officers, men with salaries of-about £5.00 per annum, were.true patriots they would. at a time like the- present voluntarily relinquish their salaries above £500 for two ior three years, or at-least until the had. regained more normality. At present there are thousands of the public denying themselves almost of the bare necessities of Me o keep officials, in easy jobs at salaries out'o proportion to the service given. whole , situation is becoming serious, and.it must' _ obvious that unless: something: really economical and practical is done about our • pHw c services the country will be facing bankruptcy. If, New Zealand is to prosper'■ taxation be reduced and not-increased.. The burden.,pn all kinds of. trading is gradually forcing "i"ms out of business. Our'material scivilisationfounded on trading. If the foundation. 8 way what will happen to civilisation?_v Ac lapse is inevitable. -PENUK- •