DEMAND FOR ECONOMY

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14776, 15 October 1921, Page 5

DEMAND FOR ECONOMY

e UNPOPULAR, BUT NECESSARY. - REDUCTIONS. IN THE CIVIL SERVICE C i THE PLIGHT OF THE FARMERS.

| (By Telegraph.—Special to Times.) WELLINGTON, Friday. A spirited demand for economy in the Public Service was made to-day by Mr J. R. Hamilton, the farmer who defeated Sir J. G. Ward in Awarua in the general election. "Every man will stand behind the Government in reducing the expenditure of every department of the State," he said. "We understand that a 10 per cent reduction in the salaries and wages of the Civil Servants throughout the Dominion would mean a saving of £1.000,000 a year. We know perfectly well that this is not a popular suggestion, but the Government and Parliament have to do the right thing. Farm workers have voluntarily made a reduction of 50 per cent in wages, and the fanners at the present time are drawing on ! their assets in order lo live. TremcnI clous reductions can he made in (he I expenditure. Nine oul of ten Civil i Servants expect a reduction, and will i not lake any exception to it. There are ! men who will lake all thai Ihey can I get and look for more, and they are lo be found in every section of the i community, but the Government need j have no fear of public opinion if they j will do the rigid thing." Mr Hamilton continued: "We far- | liters are living on our savings to-.lay: \ we are living on the money we have put aside for a rainy day. but it is estimated on very good authority that Wellington people are spending £30,000 a week on amusements. Can any man say that, faking these figures into consideration, fhe working men of this country have not ample and to spare?" A member: What about vour motor car? Mr Hamilton: My motor ear is not running about fhe country: it is standing in a shed, and 1 am quite willing to walk.