These plans were presented by Mr. Lloyd George with a
running commentary of sensible remarks about the futility of patent medicines and other nostrums for building up the strength of the country. Finally, he appealed eloquently to all classes to work together to save the situation, as it was certain that only by co-operation could progress be made and the present suffering be alleviated. As regards the fund of £10,000,000 for relief works, we hope that these works will bo without exception of that sort which, though they are of real public utility, cannot easily be dono during periods of brisk trade. When employers are competing freely with one another in hiring labour because capital has accumulated and the demand for goods is urgent, it may be a too expensive undertaking for local authorities to hire labour for what may be called amenities —the widening of roads, the construction of branch roads, the improvement of drainage and so on. But at a time like this these projects can be both executed and justified. All relef work is uneconomic, of course, but at all events we shall make the nearest approach to getting value for the money spent if the works are confined to what we have called public amenities.
