SEARCH FOR ECONOMY

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 256, 25 July 1930, Page 11

SEARCH FOR ECONOMY

Advice for Mr. Snowden ‘•Mr. Snowden, in a recent speech in the Citv of London, almost pathetically appealed for any suggestions on the problem of how to economise, says a writer in “Lloyd’s Bunk Monthly.” “I venture to give him an answer—tne only one. He must have the courage to appoint another •Geddes Axe Committee and appoint it at once —a small committee of courageous, outstanding, independent persons, untarred by any political brush, and trusted for their integrity and ability. To them he must put two questions: — (1) How far are we, as a nation, living beyond our means—i.e., living on capital? (2) Where can we possibly effect the savings necessary to restore the financial balance? “Mr. Snowden ean fully justify that action to his own supporters by reference to the peroration of his own Budget speech, in which he emphasised his hope of avoiding new taxation next year. If such a committee makes suggestions, and explains to the country clearly whnt they mean, and what the alternative of continued extravagance means, too, surely there are politicians of sufficient courage to put them into force, and n sufficient underlying common sense in the British people to insist on their being acted upon. Surely the man in the street will understand that, vvherea there are innumerable things which it would be ‘nice’ for the State to do, we can only do them as nnd when we can afford it. Time presses. Every month that the current idea of s bottomless State purse prevails, the more difficult will it become to persuade Demos of unpleaant facts.”