Saving of Millions in War Expenditure

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 207, 1 September 1943, Page 4

Saving of Millions in War Expenditure

FREEDOM FOR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT (Special to ‘‘Times.”) CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 31. Speaking of war expenditure, in his address at Christchurch to-night, Mr. S. G. Holland said millions of pounds could be saved by an overhaul of the system. The Auditor-General’s report had disclosed deplorable conditions. There was an utter absence of business methods in many departments. Everybody agreed that this was wrong, but courage to face up to it was missing. The public had no idea of what was going on. More than half the war expenses were being met from loans and soldiers would have to meet these costs when they returned. It was also high time for an overhaul of Parliament. A total of 120 in the General Assembly was absurd. The Legislative Council now did nothing, and his party would reduce its numbers or abolish it. To attract the best men for the gigantic problems ahead, the remuneration of Parliamentarians would be revised and a superannuation 3cheme introduced. One of the most important features of the National Party’s policy, said Mr. Holland, was that every National Party member of the Legislature was free and unfettered to vote on any ana every question brought before Parliament according to his own Judgment and conscience. The only occasion on which a combined vote would he required was a “No-Confidence” motion.