PUBLIC EXPENDITURE

Evening Star, Issue 20635, 7 November 1930, Page 11

PUBLIC EXPENDITURE

REDUCTION MEASURES

At a recent meeting of the Otago 'Provincial Council of tho New Zealand Farmers’ Union tiio present economic position of the country was discussed, and it was unanimously agreed that the need for botli private and Government economy should bo emphasised. A resolution was passed calling the attention of tho Government to the serious financial position of this country, and to the way in which wo are heading with increasing Government expenditure and increasing local body indebtedness.

As an outcome ol the discussion a suggestion was made that rather than pass pious resolutions the council should call a meeting of various bodies and see it they could suggest ways and means whereby economies could bo effected in public and local body expenditure here in Otago The matter was referred to a committee consisting of Mr J ,D. Rcvie (president), Messrs I). M‘G Reid, J. Preston, and A. C. Cameron, which has since met and fully discussed the matter, and later discussed matters with Mr W.G.Kindley, president of the Manufacturers’ Association, and with Mr A. S, Cooksqn. secretary of tho Employers’ Association and the Shcepownors’ Federation. All present wore agreed that a conference of tho full executives or councils of tho following bodies— of Commerce, Manufacturers’^Association, Employers’ Association, Now Zealand Farmers’ Union (Otago Provincial Council), and Shcepownors’ Federation •—should he hold on Tuesday next.

It is suggested that tho following subjects bo discussed, and that tho subjects be allocated to'different people to open up:— I Ways and means of reducing public expenditure in this province. 2. What is. and what is not. productive work for the relief of unemployment, and the question of having all relief work done in the most economical way regardless of making tho job spin out. 3. As tho prosperity of this province is linked up with the’ prosperity of our farmers, discuss the question of reducing fanning costs.—Mr James Begg. 4. The abolition. of tho Arbitration Court.—Mr F. Mitchell.

5. Tho question of increasing the size of county boundaries and thereby reducing overhead.—Dir John Begg.