LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3090, 22 May 1917, Page 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

NATIONAL ECONOMY

WILL THE GOVERNMENT GIVE A LEAD? Sir,—Owing- to the war the people of New Zealand are exhorted to exercise the utmost eeuuomy in almost everything, by members of tho Government and others, and as example is always better than precept I think the Government has a chance of setting one. I will only allude to two instances where a considerable saving could be made to the colony. What earthly use is the New Zealand war correspondent, who is in receipt of upwards of ,£IOOO per annum and expenses probably to a like amount. A stick full from' War Correspondent Gibbs is worth many columns from our representative, whose matter could easily be obtained with the 6cissors. 1 don't think New Zealand would suffer by the loss of his communications. The amonnt of waste that takes pla<!e in military camps of good food is very well known. Any soldier will verify my assertion, to say nothing of loss in other directions.

For some time it has been, a matter of considerable discussion if the dances given in the Town Hall by patriotic ladies to the various departing contingents k a wise course to continue. The dances were held through the summer, each costing trouble and expense. The money would be better placed to tho credit of a soldiers' widows' fund or other similar object. As an instance how some of the soldiers appreciate the ladies' kindness at tho function on Saturday in the Town Hall, considerable damage was done to the lavatories and the recruiting weighing scales, and in other ways proved that thoughtful consideration for their amusement had been thrown away.—l am, etc., 'LOYALTY.