WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1932. THE CITY'S FINANCES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 122, 25 May 1932, Page 6

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1932. THE CITY'S FINANCES.

The series of articles that we have published 011 the finance of the City Council and its various activities make it clearer than ever that economy has been an intermittent pursuit at the Town Hall, and that for a lengthy period there was a lack of grip 011 the spending departments. The Council was subject to the same influences as the Government. In boom times ideas were expansive and money was easily obtained. Moreover, the Greater Auckland ideal was pursued without due regard for financial consequences. The result was a large increase in both loan and revenue expenditure. Then came the general slump, and caught the Council still in its expansive mind. Much has been done of late to reduce costs, but it is plain that the task is not complete. The figures and suggestions embodied in the summing-up article published yesterday indicate lines of saving and administrative reform. The latter includes more even distribution of loan expenditure and longer budgeting, amalgamation and co-ordination of departments, and more frequent checking of expenditure and receipts with estimates. Saving should be efi'cctcd throughout the service generally, but special attention may be drawn to parks, lighting and traffic. Ten years ago the parks cost £11,711, whereas last year they cost £20,381, and this year's estimate is £24,073. Something substantial must be saved 011 this figure. The increase in the cost of lighting is even more startling. Ten years ago it cost £8040, whereas this year the estimate is £31,000. The cost per unit is higher than in other New Zealand cities, and the actual service given the public is extravagant. A reduction of at least £10,000 should be achieved in this cost. The bill for traffic supervision is more than three times what it was. When, in addition to all this, it is borne in mind that the suburban bodies are clamouring for a reduction in water charges, and that large and very important decisions about supply systems will have to be made before long, it will be realised what a crop of financial problems confronts the Council. The main object at present must be to get the rates down. Dunedin has reduced by 3Ad, and Wellington hopes to come down 10 per cent. A halfpenny in Auckland is only nominal relief for harassed citizens, and a substantial easing of their burden is demanded.