TIMELY CONCESSIONS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3152, 2 August 1917, Page 6

TIMELY CONCESSIONS

Detail features of the Budget will do not a little to relievo the National Government from the reproach that it is much too slow to act even when the case made out for action is unexceptionable, and tho demand for action is backed by a strong body of public opinion. Framing its current financial proposals, tne Government has evidently determined to meet in a liberal spirit the insistent demands made on behalt of soldiers and their dependants. At the same time, it is indicated that a measure of relief will be granted to old-age and other pensioners, who suffer an undoubted hardship result-of the increased cost of living arising out of war conditions, and that the war bonus granted last year to Civil Servants will be repeated. In the aggregate the various concessions forecasted by the Finance. Minister wiircntail a heavy additional outlay, .of which only a comparatively small part can be regarded *as temporary. Much of it will rfour for years to come, and in part at least—for, instance, in the case of old-age.and other civil additional burden is likely to become permanent. All the concessions proposed, however, may be expected to command' general approval, and while tho burden they will impose •cannot be regarded as negligible, it will no doubt be cheerfully borne. Tho. concessions proposed to soldiers and their dependants, in particular, will bo universally commended. It is quite obvious that in this matter the Government is acceding to a just demand which could not possibly bo ignored. With the enrolment of the Second Division in near prospect, it is absolutely; necessary that allowances and pensions to soldiers and their families should be liberalised. It is essential also that special measures should be taken to ensure that soldiers returning at the' end of tho war shall not la-ck employment. The Government proposes to expend two millions, over a period of two_ years, cither upon public works which will afford employment to soldiers, or. in making loans to local bodies with the same object in. viow. _ Granted sound administration this particular provision will impose no burden upon tho finances of the Dominion. With this exception, however, the humanitarian concessions .outlined in the Budget must bo regarded as involving a material increase in public expenditure, cither permanently, or for many years to come. They are not on this account in any way open to exception. But the fact that such concessions and additional outlay are necessary emphasises tho need for the prudent management of our national j finances and for economy where it is possible.