CITY FINANCES. *

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 134, 8 June 1932, Page 11

CITY FINANCES. *

THE "STAR'S" ARTICLES. In some comments that lie passed last week on the series of articles in the "Auckland Star" on the city's finances, tho Mayor, Mr. G. Hutchison, questioned some of tho figures. It may bo said in reply that the Mayor lias pointed to only 0110 instance of inaccuracy. This arose partly because of the way in which tho figures in regard to the parks vote were set out in tho annual estimates. The expenditure on the maintenance of the parks, domains, cemeteries and reserves (net) was shown as £20,381 for 1031-32, and tho estimate given for 1032-33 was stated to bo £24,073. This estimate, the Mayor's figures show, was for tho gross expenditure, and the word gross should, therefore, have been typed in brackets alongside it. Tho cost for 1021-22, which was stated in the articles to be £11,711, did not includo certain items which tho Mayor shows should be included. These items aro the cost of tho cemeteries, the Grey Lynn Domain, tho Domain trust and tho domains of Mount Hobson, Parncll and Epsom, which bring the liguro to £20,841. The corresponding figure for 1031-32 is £27,174, and for the current year £10,030. Tho parks vote does not cover the cost of the Zoo, for which the gross expenditure last year was £78;>4, compared with receipts of only £3453. 'I he estimated expenditure on the Zoo tliis year is £7958, and the estimated revenue is £3000.