WAR AND COSTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23699, 4 July 1940, Page 11

WAR AND COSTS

_ WIDE INFLUENCE SOME UNEXPECTED ITEMS SOCIAL SECURITY AMMUNITION The way in which the war affects every branch of activity in the community is well shown by a study of this year's Estimates. References to the war occur on practically every page. Apart altogether from specific defence items, or instances where reductions have been made owing to increased expenditure on war, there are frequent references to compulsory curtailment of activity through stoppage of supplies. In the Iron and Steel Industry Account, for instance, in addition to tho curtailment of survey and other preliminary work, no provision is made this year for land purchases, wharf construction, preparation of works site, hostel accommodation or consultants' services. Over £190,000 was voted for these purposes last year, but only £-1000 was spent, and a note states that on account of war conditions it is impossible to obtain the necessary plant for development and construction, so that this part of the programme is suspended until conditions improve. Protecting London Offices

Most departments record decreases in certain classes of salaries through men being absent on active service, but references to the war occur in oven less likely places. The Internal Affairs Department includes an item of £503 in last year's expenditure for air raid precautions at the High Commissioner's Office in London, and a further £l6O is provided for this year. A vote of £SO is included under another head for the transfer of the family of the New Zealand Trade and Tourist Commissioner at Brussels to London owing to the international situation.

Tn the Health Department vote is an item of £7300 for sera, including provision for additional supplies on account of the war, while tho Broadcasting Account includes £3300 for the _ broadcasting unit with the Expeditionary Force. Even in tho Prime Minister's Department there is an item of £4 paid to messengers as overtime on the occasion of the outbreak of war. Stranded New Zealanders

One of the most unexpected entries, however, occurs under tlie Social Security Fund expenditure last year, where £1 3s 9d is included in contingencies for purchase of a supply of ammunition. Whether this is to defend New Zealand's social security system from an invader or enforce compliance with the legislation is not recorded. Possibly as a result of the war an increase is provided this year in the amount, always optimistically described as recoverable, for assisting stranded Now Zcalanders to return to the Dominion. Last year £6OO was voted, but citizens apparently 'proved more reliant than expected, as only £-145 was expended. This year £3OO is provided. Whatever others parts of the world are in danger of invasion, the Government apparently holds no feai*S for New Zealand's Antarctic possession. Last year £2lO was voted for the administration of the Ross Sea Dependency, but only £1 was spent. This year the ownership of the area is estimated to cost taxpayers £lO.