3 OCTOBER 1931, Page 14

A VOLUNTARY BUDGET FUND [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]

SIR,—The Chancellor of the Exchequer has, introduced his equality of sacrifice .measure, bitt the men of good will, as evidenced by the Chancellor's post bag, desire further opportunities to make " England stand." The King and Prince have made a magnificent gesture by their voluntary contributions, and the Lord Mayor proposes to open a

Budget Fund " at the Mansion House.

I suggest that these efforts should be supplemented by- a permanent weekly contribution to a " Budget Fund " to continue until the Finances of the Empire are on a sounder foundation. The patient continuance of effort will accom- plish this. The whole of the country is mapped out into parishes ; let every parish in the land be a spear-head for the Budget Fund, organized by local men of good will, collecting by means of special stamps, 2d. per working day, or Is. per week.

Should such a scheme succeed, as I believe it would, it might be the means of re-creating ideals, and making this Empire one of Hope and Glory.—I am, Sir, &c., [Our readers may remember the proposals made by Miss Malim soon after the War for a voluntary effort to reduce our War debts. And on September 19th we published Canon Lonsdale Ragg's account of the Italian " Million Dollar Fund " started by Genoese dockers.—En. Spectator.]