SURPRISING FIGURES

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2464, 18 May 1915, Page 8

SURPRISING FIGURES

HOSPITAL AND* CHARITABLE AID EXPENDITURE. Two years ago attention was drawn to the enormous increase in the demand being made upon-the city through the City Council by the Wellington Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, whose expenditure then appeared to be increasing out of all proportion to the growth of the city, and the sources of revenue. In that -year the demand made upon the cit-v was increased by £3546 16s. Bd. Tho year -following the demand was slightly reduced—by about £600— probably owing to the widespread criticism tho board was subjected to. Its cffect has been short-lived to judge by the demand, which has been forwarded to the County Council by tho board for this year's expenses. On this occasion Wellington City's quota—without any reference to the surrounding boroughs and countics (including the long discontented Horowhenua County Council), has jumped from £13,027 'ss. Bd. to £15.720 —an increase in one. year of no less a sum than £2692 16s. 4d.

This little account was formally presented to the city at tho last meeting of the old City Council, and was referred to the Finance Committeo of the new council, which will hold its first meeting on Tuesday next, on which occasion it is expected that some criticism will lie offered. The following table will show how the exnendit-uro on hospital and charitable aid has advanced (as far as tho city is concerned) during the past five years:— £ s. d. 1911-1912 8,943 1G 0 1912-1913 10,07S 4 0 1913-1914 13,625 0 8 1914-1915 15,720 0 0 A surprising feature in connection with the above figures is that within a space of five years— fivo "mark-time" years in respcct to the progress of tho city the expenditure has increased by £6777 165.. or roughly 75 per cent.