THE CRY FOR PUBLIC MONEY.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 302, 15 September 1908, Page 6

THE CRY FOR PUBLIC MONEY.

The country will not be surprised to learn as the outcome of a deputation to the Prime Minister yesterday, that the Government has on its " list" applications for the construction of railways which would cost £12,000,000. Judging by the clamouring of members and the demands of deputations one might reasonably have looked for wilder extravagance. It is election year, and the astute elector, in accordance with our political methods, is making the most of his opportunity. And who will blame him? Not the Prime Minister ! It is part of the game—an elementary part to so old a campaigner. Twelve millions asked for, forsooth! Why not twenty millions—or thirty millions—or forty millions! Who cares —on the eve of the elections. The greedier the .electorates for public money, the easier they arc handled. Sir Joseph is staggered at the amount—he is expectcd to be-staggered. It is part of the game. Twelve millions! "He desired to say that if ever they got a Ministry which would yield to pressure to that extent it would be a very bad day for the country." This is the role of the sound, safe statesman. It also is part of the game. But, and the Prime Minister unbends, " the Government was friendly towards this particular railway," and although they could not give all that was asked, etc., etc., and the delighted deputation departs knowing that it has done what is required under the conditions into which politics in New Zealand have drifted. It is the game! Is the expenditure in the country's interest ? Possibly. But whether the undertaking be good, bad, or indifferent, it must receive consideration—on the eve of the elections. After! The country will find itself saddled with various undertakings—good, bad, indifferent. And so long as public works expenditure is influenced by political considerations, instead of being freed from such influences, the country must bear this burden. The situation cries aloud for a non-political public works board, but the Appeal is drowned in the clamour of the deputations, and the bellowings of the nmn with the political axe to grind.