PUBLIC WORKS DISMISSALS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7377, 1 February 1902, Page 2

PUBLIC WORKS DISMISSALS.

It seem 3 that at lasfc the truth is known in reference to tbe dismissal of men from various public works. It i 3 simply tbat the votes passed by Parliament have been Fponfc, and that until money is again available work mush bo stopped. 3 his is a reasonable and Eound explanation, but ifc is a matter fcr wonder why this ■was not stated straight out weeks ago. Every reason but this has been previously given, whereas this, at the outset, would have been sufficient. We do not happen to know who are the politicians or which tho newspapers that have been urging the Premier to exceed votes. But certainly the Premier is quite right in resisting any pressure of the kind. Thero is, however, one aspect of the matter which still needs explanation. Tha prov sion made by Parliament for expenditure on public work 3 dating lat session totalled £2,197,884, exclusive of supplementary estimates also voted later on, whereas in the previous year the amount voted was £1,933,369, and it has not yet been made clear how it is that notwithstanding tbe materially greater provision made for this year wotk has to be stopped, whereas in the previous year, when there wps less provision, expenditure went on during the whole year with none of tbe disturbance caused by the stoppage new announced, it may be that the heavier liabilities with whioh the present year commenced may explain it, but if bo, it follows that there must have been an " overrunning of the constable " last year, and. the country might at least have been warned that even with the additional provision made it must look for a temporary cepsa-. tion of works this summer. The defence to the stoppage of works seems adequate, but it carries \iith it tbo implijation that it is the result of recklessness at come an terior date w'ciah it is difficult to specify.