AUSTRALIA HOUSE

Hokitika Guardian, 12 August 1930, Page 7

AUSTRALIA HOUSE

COSTLY ESTABLISHMENT

LONDON, July 28

Australia House is on its toes and is likely, to remain there until Mr Coleman, M.H.R., completes his report to Mr Scullin to pick up at Colombo, on his way to London. Mr Coiema.il has found his task very complex, owing to the existing duplication and overlapping which have been partly responsible for the cost of Australia House “contingencies” sometimes approaching the expenditure for wricli privision has been made. The actual running cost of Australia House has risen from £24,000 in 1913 to £130,000 apart from interest on cost, ; . Australia House and the AgenciesGeneral cost £250,000 a year. Australia Mouse costs £185,000, which amount includes the interest on the ,£i,000,000 capital cost of the land and building. Against the interest has to be balanced rents, amounting to £24,000, leaving a net cost of £161,000. The Agencies-General cost about £60,000. The cost of Australia House excludes the cost of the trade publicity campaign, apart from actual salaries, and excludes also the Commonwealth expenses of..semi-detached boards, which cost £15,000 a year. There is a feeling among officials that Mr Scullin is keen on bringing more fully under the control of the High, Commissioner the detached and semi-detached activities which have grown up inside and outside Australia House.