ECONOMY AND EFFICIENCY

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 40, 17 February 1933, Page 6

ECONOMY AND EFFICIENCY

, (To the Editor.) Sir,—Under "Fallacies and, Inconsistency" in the "Evening-Post" on Wjednes-i day, Mr.. T. A. Fraser condemns the vacillating and disturbing' policy of the Coalition Government. Apart from complicating statements on the part of Cabinet Ministers, Mr. Fraser correctly states that even the principles that regulate 'economy are disregarded by the Governments The overhead cost of government is far in excess of what a million and a half of people_ can reasonably aflrord. The Government, in place of practising economy and at. the same time shouldering responsibilities of State has piled up heavy overhead- expenses by appointing numerous costly boards and commissions. Mr. Fraser rightly draws attention to Cabinet rank being bestowed upon other than the selected representatives of the people. An economy* and efficiency measure in our national well-being must-by .force of circumstances, soon' come to pass by reducing the number of members o£ Parliament, so •[to suggest it is necessary to go outside -the elected eighty representatives of the people 'indicates political - mental confusion. Tar. t°° much blame for our present' troubles js attached to the worldwide depression, but; truth .'to tell, * the major portion of our1 economic 'ills are the aftermath of- extravagance on the part" of many of the same politicians who today refuse to take heed of commonsense advice that practical experience can alone furnish. When Mussolini found himself confronted by a bureaucracy too expensive for the Italian 'Exchequer he dispensed with them. Mussolini set up no boards and commissions to. inquire into matters as has berti done on such a large-scale in this Dominion; instead, he acted with the swiftness and decision of a man whose mind is ruled by fixed and definite principles. Italian industry has revived solely because of the relief given from oppressive taxation, and also relief afforded by reduction of Italy's overhead charges. Is it.not possible for New Zealand to do the same? —I am; etc., FOR PROGRESS. 16th February.