GOVERNMENT ECONOMY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16496, 5 August 1921, Page 7

GOVERNMENT ECONOMY.

THE RAILWAY CUT. PUBLIC WORKS POLICY. [Per Press Association. 1 WELLINGTON, August 5 Interviewed on the need for economy in the public service, stressed in speeches made at the annual meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Sir Francis Bell said:— 44 The railway cut announced, which was in course of preparation long before the speeches referred to were made, shows Cabinet recognises the need for economy and is prepared to do what it can in tlie direction of economising in the Government services. The difficulty is that all branches of the public service arc subject to classification lists, and it will probably require the intervention of Parliament before any greait retrenchment can be carried cut. 14 In the meantime- a certain number of temporary employees, who might, have been dispensed with, have been kept on, but it is not a large number, and it was principally in connection with the various public works throughout the l'i . inion. He was keeping the public v. orks on at a rate that he ought not to, having regard to the present financial position ; hut the Government, in view of the existing unemployment, did not wish to throw men out of work during the winter months and was utilising the funds at its disposal so as to give as much emplovment as possible.’ J

'‘ In any case,*’ said Sir Francis Bell, “ the number of these men is not large and does not afford an opportunity for any great retreiu ument. When Parliament meets the matter will, no doubt, have to be further considered.'*