NOTES OF THE DAY

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 59, 4 December 1923, Page 6

NOTES OF THE DAY

Health Week was in all respects an admirable effort of its kind. In view of its admittedly valuable coV stimulating interest in the improvement of dial support should be given to the recommendation of the executive that another Health Week should be organised next year. From the standpoint of community welfare, there is everything to be said for making Health Week an annual fixture. The excellent work of the Health Week executive and of those who seconded and amplified its helpful activities is fittingly rounded off for the time being in a. series of recommendations to the City Council.. Although not all of these recommendations can at once be carried into effect, they ares as a whole of a thoroughly practical character, and deserve the earnest attention of the City Health Committee and of individual citizens.

The Premier of Victoria (Mk. Lawson) has now promised to consider the question of compensating those who suffered loss or damage of property during the recent riot in Melbourne. At the same time, Mr Lawson reaffirmed the previous refusal of his Government to accept responsibility in the matter. Thi? means, presumably, that compensation will be granted, if at all, only as a special act of grace. It may appear at first glance that shopkeepers who had their windows broken and their goods stolen during the riots have a clear claim to compensation. It is doubtful, however, if they could establish any legal claim. In ordinary circumstances, the State provides for the protection of life and property, but admits no liability to pay compensation when this protection fails. No one would suggest, for instance, that the victim of an individual burglary is entitled to be compensated by the State. The fact that a police strike made wholesale looting and rioting possible in Melbourne does not necessarily give the victims a claim they obviously would not have had if they had individually suffered similar losses in a series of burglaries. In a full discussion of the question the fact no doubt will be emphasised that all citizens, share responsibility for the maintenance of law, and order, and that it rests with citizens themselves to assist in checking such a situation as arose in Melbourne on the occasion of the police strike. A general recognition and acceptance of this responsibility would in itself provide.guarantees against any such outburst of unrestrained lawlessness as occurred in Melbourne.

An official review of the city finances which appeared last week disclosed, at a direct view, a somewhat staggering increase in rating burdens over a brief- period of years. As compared with a total revenue from rates in 1920-21 of £261,397, the amount under the same head lor the current year is £341,547, and there will be a further increase to over £400,000 when loans now authorised have been raised, lhese figures certainly emphasise the need of careful economy in administration. It modifies the position somewhat that the increased revenue needed is obtained from a steadily-expanding number of ratepayers, and an enterprising policy of development in itself, of course, encourages the growth of city population. To some extent provision is being made for the future. For instance, the water-supply improvements on which a heavy expenditure is now being made should satisfy the requirements of a considerably increased population. Then again the present and prospective expenditure on the permanent surfacing of streets ought to ensure a considerable reduction in maintenance charges. Indirect as well as direct savings arc derived from the improvement of streets. A reduction in the wear and tear on vehicles, and other savings resulting from an abatement of the dust nuisance, are important in this connection. Still, it is very necessary that a close watch should be kept on city expenditure, whether from revenue or loan. Money spent in effecting practical and wcll-considcrcd improvements will yield adequate returns, and it should be possible to look to a time when the expansion of population in a well-managed metropolitan area will permit, a progretevw lightening of rates.