View report page

63
COST OF KEEPING HORSES.
In the month of May, 1891, I was instructed by the Finance Committee
to bring up a return shewing the relative cost of the Vestry keeping its own
horses as against hiring them, and accordingly on the 25th of that month,
presented to them the following report:—
(Accountant's Department), Town Hall,
Walliam Green, S.W.
May 25th, 1891.
To the Chairman and Members of the Finance Committee.
Gentlemen, Re Horses.
In accordance with the resolution passed at the last Meeting of
the Vestry, I have made a careful abstract and estimate of keeping
our own horses as against hiring them.
The basis of the calculation is the supposition that the stables are
full, viz.;— 44 horses, otherwise the relative cost is somewhat greater.
Against the apparent deficit, must be placed the better class of
animals and the extra amount of work obtained from each.
The price paid to Contractors for horse hire, viz.:— 9s. 6d. per
day includes horse, man and cart, the latter right beiug exercised to the
extent of about 1 cart to every 4 horses.
I remain, Gentlemen, your obedient Servant,
Robert H. Meyer, F.S.A.A.,
Accountant to the Vestry.
per week. per annum.
£ s. d. £ s. d.
Cost of keeping 1 horse 0 14 3 37 1 0
Say 1/44 of annual value of stables and yard only 0 2 3½ 6 0 0
Do. of wages of horsekeeper 104 0 0
„ „ stableman 78 0 0
„ „ chaffcutter, &c. 70 4 0
„ „ stable lad 52 0 0
„ „ watchman 63 14 0
£367 18 0 3 3 8 7 3
Veterinary attendance (say) 2½ 10 6
Harness and stable utensils, being average last year 1 9 4 16 9
Farrier, 5/-per horse per month 1 3 3 0 0
1/44 of rates 30/„
taxes 3/2
„ gas 21/10
„ water 13/7
„ Insurance 8/6
applicable to stables and
yard only.
1 6 3 17 1
Cost of horse alone £1 4 6 £63 12 7
Allow 4d. per day per cart 2 0 5 4 0
„ for replacement of stock, and wear and tear
say 1/5th of £60 4 7 12 0 0
Wages of driver 1 7 0 70 4 0
Totals £2 18 1 £151 0 7
Horse hire 310 days at 9/6 per day (average) 2 16 8 147 5 0
Saving per horse on hired horses 1 5 3 15 7