The Wanganui Chronicle. "NULLA DIES SINE LINEA." SATURDAY, OCT. 2nd, 1915. PUBLIC WORKS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 20474, 2 October 1915, Page 4

The Wanganui Chronicle. "NULLA DIES SINE LINEA." SATURDAY, OCT. 2nd, 1915. PUBLIC WORKS.

Although in the substance of its proposals there is no evidence of timidity, the dominant note of the Public Works Statement which the Hon. Wm. Fraser yesterday presented to Parliament, is prudence. "It is generally recognised," says the Minister, "that it will not be,wise during the continuance of the war to expend more borrowed money than is absolutely necessary." At first glance, in the face of the proposal to borrow another two ; millions for public works, the Minister's statement may appear somewhat contradictory, but a subsequent paragraph, referring more particularly to roads and bridges, makes it clear that the Government does not contemplate anything in the nature of rash or extravagant expenditure. Thus, while for the current year the provision for roads and bridges has.not been limited^ on account of prevailing conditions, the Minister. lays it down definitely that "it must be understood that the authorisation of expenditure will. be dependent upon the Government's ability to raise the necessary loan for public works purposes." Moreover, he adds that it is not intended that the ways and means provided shall be expended by the 31st March, 1915, but they are expected to suffice until 31st December, 1916, or even, if necessary, to 31st March, 1917. tinder these conditions the proposed loan must be regarded as an evidence of the Government's financial prudence, designed to ensure the prosecution of public works at a pace in keeping with the circumstances of the period. As Mr Fraser says, when he delivered his previous Statement the general impression was that the war would not last more than one year; but at present he would indeed be a bold prophet who would venture to predict when the conflict would terminate. It may end suddenly. It may go on indefinitely. It is the duty of the Government to be financially prepared for any eventuality. Hence the wisdom of a prudent borrowing policy, safeguarded by a determination not to expend more borrowed money than is absolutely necessary. In a young and only partially developed country 6uch as ours, there can be no stoppage of public works; but it is only to be expected that the measure of our expenditure even on the most necessary works should be to some extent affected1 by the grave international crisis in which we are now involved. So far the war has not hindered our progress. Indeed, while the expenditure for 1914 was a rocordj that for last year was even

larger. It does net follow that we shall be able to keep on at this rate, unless the war comes to an end more speedily than now seems to be probable. Thus, while the Government proposas to provide for a contemplated expenditure of £2,803,550, it is quite conceivable that a good deal less than that amount will be spent. The primary industries must be kept going, and to that end it seems evident that a good deal of labour will have to bo diverted from public works for shearing, harvesting and other necessary operations incidental to those industries on which we all depend. This

in itself will tend to minimise the current year's expenditure on public works, for it is the expressed intention of the Government " not to find employment on such works for those to whom work at fair rates is offered elsewhere."