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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7382, 17 July 1885, Page 4

The social condition of the industrial classes in Auckland at the present time may be fairly gauged by the state of the funds in the working man's banking institution—the Auckland Savings Bank. On several occasions we have had pleasure in drawing attention to the evidences of prosperity amongst the industrial classes shown by this institution. The progress in this respect still goes on in an increasing ratio. During the first half of the present year nearly £200,000 of surplus savings were placed at the credit of the busy depositors in this institution. The withdrawals have been considerable, but relatively less then during the corresponding period in 1884. The following figures, furnished us by the manager, for the six months ending June 30, clearly show this :— 1835. 1884. Amount (iepoiited ..£197,786 15 8 £149.754 10 (.! Amount withdrawn., 1et),977 19 3 155,482 Hi 3 Now accounts openod 2,245 1,947 No. of 'lepoaite .. 18,471 15,779 No. of withdrawals .. 11,435 3,640 It will thus be seen that the excess of deposite over withdrawals during the Bret half of the present year was £31,808 16s sd, as compared with £14,264 14s 3d during the corresponding period last year. In other words, the excess of deposits during the first six months in the present year exceed the excess during the same period of last year by £17,544 2s 2d. It need not be stated that when such results are being accomplished, Auckland must be regarded as a very good place for the large number of industrial workers of various classes in our midst. It will also be noticed by the attentive reader that the number of the thrifty and careful, industrious citizens, is being considerably increased. As compared with the first half of last year, the new accounts opened this year show an increase of nearly 300 This is a greater proportion than might hare been expected from the increase of our population, and may be due to eome extent to the shrinkage in the use of intoxicating spirits, to which the Colonial Treasurer made reference the other day. That this evidence of prosperity amongst our working classes is not confined to the early portion of the period under notice, but is spread over the whole term, is made evident by the financial transactions in thia institution daring the

quarter ending June 30. During thoae three months £ 1G» 4d was deposited, as compared with £78,125 53 5d ia the corresponding period of last year. The withdrawals amounted to £85,319 19s 9d and .£66,974 la 3d respectively, giving aT.eurplus of deposits for the June quarter' , -* " this year of £17,635 163 7d as compared with £11,151 4s 2d in the June quarter of 1884. The number of new accounts opened during last quarter also shows a respectable increase on the number in the June quarter of last year. So long as the Savings Bank depositors in a small coinmunity like Aucklaad can place to their credit an average of £1230 for every working day during six months, the condition of the working classes must be regarded as fairly (satisfactory.