TAXATION AND WASTEFUL EXPENDITURE 175 

 rates, which means a net loss of fivepence in the pound to 

 the rate-payers. 



Here is what a London paper said on the subject in 

 May of last year : 



Cost of Paupers' Palace 

 " The Hammersmith Borough Council has been com- 

 pelled to add fourpence in the pound to the rates, 

 although the borough council's expenses would justify a 

 reduction of one penny in the pound. 



" The Council gives the following explanation in the 

 notice to rate-payers: 



" Special attention is drawn to the fact that the large 

 increase in the rate of fourpence in the pound is due solely 

 to the increased requirements of the late board of guar- 

 dians over which the borough council has no control. The 

 amount to be raised for that body is £16,500 more than 

 in the last half-year, representing a rate of over five- 

 pence in the pound, while the borough council's expenses 

 have been reduced by a sum equal to a rate of one penny 

 in the pound, 



" An emergency precept of £12,000 was served unex- 

 pectedly on the council by the late board of guardians." 



There are numerous instances of similar needless ex- 

 travagance in other parts of the country, but these will 

 suffice for the moment. 



These disclosures are most disheartening to rate- The Augean 

 payers, and many of them will, no doubt, think that the 

 pubhcity which has been given to them and the severe 

 terms of imprisonment inflicted on the West Ham cul- 



