HOUSEHOLD BUDGET INQUIRY

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 42, 13 November 1919, Page 4

HOUSEHOLD BUDGET INQUIRY

GOVEIt-KMENT.PIUZE COMPETITION

Early in the present jear tho Census and Statistics Office co-operated with a. Christchurch lirui iu the publication of ft Household Account Book, -which, it was hoped, would bo filled in by n large number of householders throughout the . Dominion, and thus provide valuable data bearing upon, the subject of the cost of living. The account boot provided for the entering of particulars relative to: (1) Tihe address, occupation, family, dwelling, and periodical recurring payments of the householder. (2) The incomo of the householder from various sources. (S) The expenditure of the household iind,er various headings. .With a .view to oncouroging householders to keep an accurate record over a period of six months between Februnry 1 and September 30, .£IOO in money prizes was offered for the best comploted books returned to the Census Office, .650 to bo awarded in each of the North and South Islands. A stipulation was, however, made that if fewer than MO completed books were received from either island prizes might bo reduced proportionately. It is much to bo regretted that, although many householders hare probably kept a record for a short period of time, only 106 completed books wcro sent in, Riving particulars for the full period of six months. These books, however, have gencrally been carefully entered un, and although the limited number of budget* received will not allow of the compilation of such detailed analysis os could have been obtained from a more comprehensive collection, the information gained will bo of substantial value in showing tho genor.il characteristics of proscnt-dny household expenditure. In view of tho caro and trouble that has been lakcn in tho compilation of the booto, it has been decided that the prizes awarded shall bn reduced only by half, making for ench island: Ono prize of .£lO, three prizes of «£2 10.-5., and fifteen prizes o? 10?.

Considerable difficulty iias been experienced in other countries in attempts to secure this class of information, but it is believed that if the inquiry wore confined to a short period of time—say one. month—a large number of budgets might be secured. It is hoped, therefore. Hint with ti;e experience gained by the Census OfiiM in the presenti instance ft further competition may bo conducted at a later dnte, when it ie confidently hoped that increased success will be met with.