NATIONAL LACK OF THRIFT [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
' SIR,- -- All readers of your r6sume of the Colwyn report moist Ire struck by the serious, disquieting; but not surprising, fact of the decrease in the savings of the country. This decrease would seem to be due not only to unemployment, high taxes, and adverse industrial conditions, but also to the fact that all classes are losing the habit of saving.
For this the following causes seem answerable.
i.e.. the large amount spent by all classes in amusements ; the feeling of insecurity caused by the spread of Socialist and Comnamist doctrines ; and the knowledge that the State will undertake mast of the responsibilities that at one time fell. on the indi- vidual. No provision need be made for sickness, old age, education or unemployment. Therefore, why save beyond the relatively small amount exacted by Government ?
If income, whether earned or unearned, were more largely saved and invested, or spent in increasing the comforts of the ;tomes, the result would be a better standard of living and inure self-respect. Also, money so spent would materially benefit the industries of the country and thus reduce
unemployment. —I am, Sir, &c., MARIAN BUCK. xorerings, Bosbury, Ledbury.
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