FEATURES OF THE STATEMENT

Evening Post, Volume xc, Issue 79, 1 October 1915, Page 8

FEATURES OF THE STATEMENT

The chief feature of the Public Works Statement is. the note of prudence in public expenditure which it strikes. It outlines a policy of necessary expenditure, but a pruning of all that is not consistent with the financial circumstances attending the present war period. The Minister at the same time refers to the wisdom of continuing the- prosecution of' such works as are necessary to the development of the country, so that out most effective method of helping the Empire, the maintenance of our standard of the production of foodstuffs, may not be interferred with. Public works will be kept going ; but a saving will be effected in public building expenditure. This has Already been indicated By the heads of the Government at various times. Already there has been af saving in some directions, and it is understood' that the amount expended will show a decrease on the previous year. The total of last year's expenditure was £2,557,000, exclusive of special accounts. A saving is expected (besides on public buildings) on telegraph extension, railways, and tourist resorts, and in other less important directions. The allocation asked for under railway construction is £700,000, and for additions to open lines £500,000. An important feature is that provision is made under "ways and means" to carry the country on until 31st December, 1916, and possibly, if necessary, to 31st March, 1917. This will include loans and other appropriations asked for. The total amount to be voted this year is £2,803,000, which is less than last year by about £690,000. In public buildings a saving will be effected of £130,000 on last year; for roads the amount asked for ig £300,000 less than last \ year's vote, but about equal to the amount spent last year. The vote for telegraphic extension is £$,000 less than last year. The total allocation for railways, roads, and bridges is, in round figures, one and three-quarter millions. There will be no expenditure this year on such works as was outlined in the scheme of the General Manager of Railways, which included new " stations at Wellington. PRINCIPLE ESTIMATES Some of the principal Estimates for 1955-16 are: — Railway construction, £700,000 ; additions to open lines, £500,000— a total of £1,200,000 as against £1,460,000 last year. Construction and maintenance of bridges £500,000, as against £812,000 last year. Telegraph extension £327,000, as against £410,000 last year. Public buildings £427,050, as against £551,175 last year. ■