WHEN THE PUBLIC PAYS

Taranaki Daily News, 6 June 1930, Page 16

WHEN THE PUBLIC PAYS

ALLEGED EXTRAVAGANCE. “THE GOVERNMENT STROKE.’* One beneficial effect of the present financial strain in Australia is that the people are observing so far as they are able how their money is being spent by the Government departments and local governing bodies. There is an impression that, they are not getting value, and this impression id strengthened by what'they notice. It is therefore but reasonable to suppose that there will be useful reform. This could not be brought about in any other way. The people are not given to bothering when times are good. They may. be aware of glaring extravagance, But .as■ they .are not asked to .make additional payments as a consequence they are content to wink at it. . Conditions hre different now, and thus it is

that persons report "the Government stroke” who otherwise would not be heard from. Here is an illustrative instance, says a correspondent. A suburbanite reports that a water and sewerage board, gang of five men, with a motor-lorry in attendance, occupied three days in removing one tree and a stump. Similar work was done privately by two local workers in half a day at a cost, of 30s. The example could be multiplied most impressively. Every district has. somewhat similar experiences, but hitherto residents have been satisfied to make cynical remarks for local entertainment.