DEPARTMENTAL ECONOMY

Hokitika Guardian, 26 January 1932, Page 6

DEPARTMENTAL ECONOMY

STAFFS AND SALARIES. A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PROPOSAL. AUCKLAND, January 23. Various suggestions for further economies in the Government depart merits have been made by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce to the Associated Chambers of Commerce, in view of the pending investigations of an economy commission. Tile Chamber considers that .substantial savings could he made by staff and salary adjustments, by a more conservative policy with regard to llio erection of now buildings, by curtailing much unnecessary travelling at the State expense, and by reduced running of official motor-cars, and by fewer transfers over long distances of subordinate civil servants. Numerous other directions in which savings could he made are indicated. “The general comment may he made that administration costs must he reduced, and it would appear that at least a 25 per cent, reduction is essential to ensure stability,” stales the chamber. ROOM FOR ECONOMIES. Following are sonic of the instances in which the Auckland Chamber considered there should be savings:— The services conducted by the Maui Pomare had been provided only at a steady loss. The island dependencies seemed to be more expensive than necessary. A more conservative policy should be exercised with regard to now buildings in tlie Dominion. Now post offices were built at Taumaranui and Palmerston South, and neither town was making the progress that would scorn to warrant such expenditure. There was unnecessary travelling by Cabinet Ministers to attend local functions and openings; use of official cars by Government officials after hours. “Hansard” should he modified and less freely circuhiteTT. Many returns appearing in the “Gazette” could bo eliminated. Small repairs to Government buildings could be done cheaper if handled locally and not by the Public "Works Department. In all probability substantial economies would accrue if Departments were allowed to obtain stationery and printing otherwise than from the Government Printing Office; the I’ublio Works Department should be drastically revised. There should he economy in education by drastic revision of the free place system. Some of Uio more 'recent social service that have been, grafted on to the Education and Health Departments appear lo be o! the older of luxuries.