RISING COSTS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 176, 12 August 1937, Page 6

RISING COSTS

Own Correspondent. ).

Schools and Orptanages Affected DIFnCULTp INCREASE

(From Our

AUCKLAND, Last Niglit. Among those who are compelled to watch the steadily mounting costs of living in these days, not the least concerned are those responsible for the conduct of school and college hostels and of orphanages. The circumstances and methods of these institutions difi'er very widely, but upon one matter they are all agreed,' that. greatly increased costs have to be faced. Several estiinate tbe increase at from 25 per «ent. to 50 per cent. ; one placed it at 30 per ccnt. and tbe most moderate estimate given was "not less than from 20 pei cent. to 25 per cent.5' Wben one asks what it is that has increased in price the constant reply is "Pretty well cverything.5' Two of the chief headings under which the'advance is noted are foodstuffs and labour. In the case of labour increased wages are accompanied by shorter hours, which usually necessitatos increase of staft'.

Ihe increased cost ot food is known to everyone. . A matron with many boys under her charge drew attention to the added factor introduced by the present widespread interest in correct. and scientifio diet — an interest which, however welcome for its own sake, tended to record itself in increased food bills. Vegetables she found to have increased substantially in price, and both eggs and fruit have been dear this season. The institution with •which she is concerned is trying to meet the position by growing its own vegetables. ' The added costs of building and of general maintenance is a substantial item in many cases ; and in orphanages, where the children have to be wholly provided ior, the increased price of clothingi makes lieavy demands on income. , In all the circumstances it is surprising to learn that one college has not yet put up its bqarding fees, but that is not tbe general experience. For obvious reason* hostels are loth to increase tbeir charges, but in most cases that has had to be done and yet further increases are anticipated. ' In some cases the iustitutions are still getting the benefit of annual contracts made a considerable time ago, but expect bigher prices when. these come to be renewed. One hostel which lowered its fees at the time of depression first restored ' them to the ■'previous figure and then raised them well above that rnark. > Some indication of price levels is given by th# experience of private housekeepers ho make a practice of boarding echoolboys. The common charge used to bc 23/6 or 25/- a wpek, but householders now fi.nd that they cannot care for the boys pioperly i'oiless than 27/6. This whole tendency makes a difficult situation for many iustitutions as weli as for individuals and not the least disturbing aspect of it is that it appears likelv to grow worse rather than better.