THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS.
Why tlie Budget should not be presented to Parliament before the end of July, as indicated by the Prime Minister, it is difficult for anyone experienced in accountancy methods to understand. The officials of the British Treasury are able to supply the necessary figures to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in time to permit of the British Budget being presented to Parliament by the end of April. And why should it be impossible for State officers :in New Zealand to have their accounts complete and audited by the end of April ? It is only a matter of knowledge, method, organisation and a will to complete the work within that time. There surely cannot be any insuperable difficulties in the way of Government officials speeding- up Uie work. True, it has been the custom to meander along with the preparation and auditing of accounts until some time in July—or even later—but that is no justification for the delay. The public have a right to know all the facts about public finance much earlier than has been the custom and it is up to members of Parliament to take such steps (which should not include adding to the already overstaffed departments) as will ensure the expediting of the work incidental to the preparation of the public accounts.
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Bibliographic details
Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 180, 2 July 1931, Page 6
Word Count
218THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS. Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 180, 2 July 1931, Page 6
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