The Treasurer reported that there was a possibility of the Abattoir being leased to Japanese interests and negotiations to this end were at present being conducted. Should such an arrangement be concluded satisfactorily, it was anticipated that the relief to the Health Ordinary Budget would be in the neighbourhood of $80,000.
The Treasurer also observed that in his report the Commissioner of Public Health reserved the right to submit a supplementary estimate should an epidemic or some other untoward circumstances occur during the course of the year and indicated that he envisaged the further possibility 6f increasing receipts and effecting additional economies when all the potentialities under review had been fully explored. Should any of these economy measures materialize before the Budget was finally published the Treasurer would include the relevant adjustments.
Stock and Stores—Motor Cars—It was noted that the original provision was for 4 second-hand motor cars, which was subsequently reduced to 2 in the amended estimates. Consideration was given by members to the suggestion of the Treasurer for the total elimination of this appropriation. In answer to a question, the Commissioner of Public Health stated that some of his departmental cars were beyond economical repair and were considered dangerous on the road. He had carefully investigated this matter and felt that the reduced appropriation was essential. He had considered other forms of lócomotion for his senior staff, but they would involve a costly waste of the staff's time. As io the possibility of substituting motor-cycles with side-cars, Police Opinion was that such vehicles are difficult to handle and dangerous in the hands of people not used to them. Upon the Treasurer expressing his satisfaction, it was agreed that the reduced appropriation of $10,000 for 2 motor-cars be approved for inclusion in the estimates.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.