The Marlborough Express. Published Every. Evening. TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1893. EXTRAVAGANT EXPENDITURE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXIX, Issue 206, 22 August 1893, Page 2

The Marlborough Express. Published Every. Evening. TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1893. EXTRAVAGANT EXPENDITURE.

«. Some of the Estimates were hurried through last week m the same old unsatisfactory style; thousands of pounds being passed without any serious examination and discussion of the items. The Opposition say that the Grotrerament give the most meagre information on the various items, but if that be so, then the Opposition are manifestly neglecting their duty m not ineisting on the desired information being given. Sir Robert Stout took exception to the printing and { stationery vote (£28,000, odd) which ha rightly said could well be reduced. It is well known among the printers of the colony that the greatest extravagance rules m the Government Printing Office ; that much of the work could be done at much less expense m private oQicß3 ; and that much of it is done m a most absurdly elaborate and extravagant mannsr ; but all the protests and criticisms seem to be of no avail. The Estimates pass every year '' with but little opposition, and the old J waste and extravagance are permitted to proceed unheeded and unchecked. Large > savings could and ought to ba effected m the working of this department of tha Government service, but the indolence and apathy of our legislators allow the old bad order of things to remain m force. At a time when the settlers m many districts are appealing m vain for roads to their sections and for aid to promote other improvements, it is simply scandalous that money 'should be wasted m the way it is being wasted m enly too many Government departments. We are no admirers of politicians of the " skinflint" class ; but there is a sad want of economy m several branches of the service, and money is yearly frittered away with whioh much good and really necessary work might ba done.