ECONOMIC WASTE

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 160, 2 April 1931, Page 11

ECONOMIC WASTE

Multiplicity of Bodies “OVERHEAD” INCREASED Economic waste is involved in the multiplicity of local bodies, according to Mr. D. J. McGowan, president of the Chamber of Commerce, who referred to this aspect of national life in his address at the annual dinner of the chamber. Overseas liners calling at various ports, said Mr. McGowan, added greatly to the cost of running these vessels, and a great saving would be effected if all cargo were sent by rail to one or other of the main ports,_ where every facility for quick handling was already installed. It would mean that the steamers would do an extra trip to England and back, and the reduction in freight charges would be considerable, and the advantage to the railways would be increased revenue. Another item of wasteful extravagance still existing in the country was the existence of 687 local bodies in the Dominion. In addition there were also 18 district councils under the Highways Board. These local bodies comprise borough councils, town boards, county councils, road boards, river boards, land drainage boards, city and suburban drainage boards, water supply boards, fire boards, local railway board, harbour boards, hospital boards, tramway boards, transport boards, electric power boards, gas lighting boards, and rabbit boards. “The administration of these authorities costs annually an enormous amount,” said Mr. McGowan. “Years ago when roads were bad and transport had to be done by horses there may have been some necessity for it, but to-day I am sure the districts could be enlarged and a great saving effected. ** Mr. McGowan also referred to the 53 grain mills which he understood were operating in the Dominion. Their annual production of flour was about 130,000 tons. There must be some overhead here that was economically unsound. There were other industries that must be top-heavy similarly, and where the establishment of surplus plants was never warranted. All these things were paid for in increased costs.