COST OF THE ZOO

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 15, 18 July 1932, Page 8

COST OF THE ZOO

TEAM FABE-OFFSET

NET OUTGOING SMALL

STRAIGHT REPLY TO "CRITICS

The Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, speaking of the Newtown Zoo to-day, replied very definitely to certain critics and showed also that;>thc net cost of upkeep of the Zoo was much smaller than had been indicated in. various statements and correspondence. Tram revenue to Newtown is a : considerable offset against Zoo expenditure. "Although the motion tabled by Councillor Somple for the abolition of the Zoo lapsed for want of a seconder," said Mr. Hislop, ''it is nevertheless desirable, in view of the many inaccurate statements that have been circulated, that the true position in connection with tho Zoo should be made knpwn. ' ' ' ''I have, noticed that a number of individuals outsido Wellington, notably Mr. J. O. Jameson, and some other member of tho Cbristchureh branch of the S.P.C.A., have chosen to make public statements which are grossly inaccurate and show on the part of Mr. Jameson; an utterly irresponsible, attitude. It is to 1)3 regretted that members of reputable: organisations such -as.^thie S.P.G.A., which many of us support, should indulge in criticism so inaccurate that it can only be termed unscrupulous,, and thus bring into disrepute: the organisation to which they belong.. -«■•-.:• - "Mr. Jameson stated that the cage for'the polar bear-was so small: that the beaT could-barely turn round. That is quite untrue;:the pit is over 60 feet square and contains a large swimming batli arid is thoroughly in accord with modern: ideas; for such enclosures. The other criticisms made were equally wide of the mark.. -. '.-. .' ,'.,.' THE FINANCIAL POSITION. ; "With reference . to the financial position.,'.' continued Mr. Hislop, "the estimated expenditure for the year is £2971, and the estimated receipts £1200, leaving, an 'estimated deficiency of £.1771-to' be-bbrne by the district fund. However, as against-this should bevput the Sunday receipts 'which do not coino /inder the district-fund/ but are ;allocated' direct' to.^Zob improvement. ■ These- should amount, to about £.300.- Further, tho closing of the Zoo" would -lead to a decline in tramway revenue. -Last .year approximately 40,000 adults arid 120,000"children: visit-' cd tho Zoo, and if each' adult paid a concession fare of 2J d and • each child paid* a poiiuy fare the tramway receipts from Zoo traffic would amount to £916, but,, allowing for.those who walk to the Zoo or arrive by motor-car, it would be safe to say that tram fares induced by the Zoo: amount: to: a good ' £500 or more per annum. Approximately' & 1000 can probably be debited against the estimated district fund loss of £1771, leaving a net loss on all- accounts 'of £771,. all of- winch is spent either in the employment of the;'Zoq staff or in tho purchase of supplies locally. ' , / "In view of the large' 'numbcr-of "people who attend .the Zoo it is clear that it'is appreciated,'.' said v. .Mr. Hislop, "and the small actual monetary loss is, I think, justified by the fact that so many appreciate the institution. Itis, of course; desirable, and it is'the object.vof the council, to improve tho i whole of the accommodatibn at the Zoo, j and a,.considerable. amount of work has been, done in this direction. Sunday takings: are .employed exclusively to this purpose.", •: : , . FURTHER COBRBSP6NDENC.E. '.. iSeveral: correspondents havo written on, tho subject of the Newtown Zoo, discussing points already: well covered in letters already published, and as the question whether* the .Zoo should be closed or not hasi been, disposed of by the _ lapsing of Councillor' Semple's motion it is unnecessary that these letters, breaking nonew ground, should be published. ;:' ' ' ■. ■ ';' ::' '■" ■■. : i "Let the Ratepayers ' Decide" ,:]l expresses the' opinion that to-day people would be just as .well; satisfied with pictorial education; about "animals and birds, as they are with the'screen and the gramophone and wireless in place of real drama,and musical art, and he suggests that if a ballot was taken; or two petitions .presented for signature (one praying for the retention of the Zoo'and the other for its abolition) that view would b:e borne.out. : ' .•': " Scrutator" says that he .does not propose to accept Mr. B. G. H. Burn's spectacular challengo, andwhile joining with him in deprecating such statements as were made'lry some members of. the: Christchurch S.P.C.A.j ho calls attention .to, certain features v, of the Zoo.r The polar; bear's quarters, lie says,, are '/palatial." ; Great improvements have been made genorally in recent years;'the place is clean and the keepers ■ are-."> conscientious in -■ their duties,' but1 he asks whether provision should not be "•■ made f or' warming the monkey, cages. , He sees no justification for keeping dingoes in small enclosures, particularly on/concrete, floors, for the natural instinct of" the animals is to scratch and dig. :He Temarks upon "that sullen, bndless pacing of the tiger and the/puma to and fro 'to and fro, behind their bars," and refers also to the lions'Jcaggs,: asking,whether Mr. Burn can name any other public zoo where these animals are kept in such- confined quarters. Ho, agrees