THE COST OF LIVING.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 November 1919, Page 6

THE COST OF LIVING.

HOUSEHOLD BUDGETS. A GOVERNIiIEU F PRIZE COMPETITION. Early in the present year, states the Minister for Internal Affairs (the Hon J. B. Hine) the Census and Statistics Office co-operated with a Christchurch firm in the publication of a household ! account book, which, it was hoped, would : be filled in by a large number of howcj holders throughout the Dominion, and j thus provide valuable data bearing up;on the subject of the cost of living. The ; account book provided for the entering |up of particulars relative to:—(1) The | address, occupation, family, dwelling and i periodical recurring payments of the j householder; (2) the income of the householder from various sources; and (3) the expenditure of the household under various headings. With a view to encouraging householders to keep an accurate record over a period of six months between Fsbruary Ist and September 30th, £IOO in money prizes j was offered for the best completed books returned to the Caisus Office, £SO to be awarded in each of the North and South Islands. A stipulation was, however, made, that if less than 500 completed books were received from either island, prizes might be reduced proportionately. It is much to be regretted, sayj the Minister, that although many householders have probably kept a re.-ovd for a short period of time, only 108 completed books were sent in, giving particulars for the full period of six months. These books, however, have generally been carefully entered up; and, although the limited number, of budgets received will not allow of the compilation of such detailed analysis as could have been obtained from a more comprehensive,collection, the information gained will be of substantial value in showing the general characteristics of present-day household expenditure. In view of the care and trouble that has been taken in the compilation of the books, it has been decided that the prizes awarded shall be reduced only by half, making for each island:—One prize, of £lO, three prizes of £2 10s, and fifteen prizes of 10s. Considerable difficulty has been ex-1 perienced in other countries in attempts' to secure this class of information, but it is believed that if the inquiry was cnofined to a short period of time—say one month—a large number of budget's might be secured. It is hoped, therefore, that with the experience gained by the Census Office in the present instance, a further competition may be conducted at a later date, when it is confidently hoped that increased success will be met with.