21 MARCH 1931, Page 46

A GOSPEL OF HOPE.

Finally, however, I suggest that the gospel of Economy is not a gospel of negation, but one of great hope for the future. So far from decrying the demands of the com- munity not only for the maintenance of the existing standard of living but for a higher standard, such demands should be encouraged, and ambition should be fired. But the price must be paid. The economies in the National Expenditure must be made to turn to the advantage not of one section of the people but of the whole com- munity. That economies in non-productive expen- diture with a consequent reduction in taxation would restore confidence and stimulate industry there is no question whatever, especially if the word " Economy " is written in capital letters and is made to include the maximum cmount of effort and efficiency on the part of Capital and Labour alike. It is just here, I venture to think, that the real mission of the Trade Unions is to be found, namely, to aid in every way possible—by the removal of restrictions where necessary—the recovery in each particular industry, taking care at the same time to ensure that in any increased prosperity Labour shall have its full share. Economy in the National Expenditure, Economy and Efficiency in Industry, the maximum amount of effort on the part of every individual in the community, these are the true remedies which can be relied upon to bring about happiness and prosperity