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17
It will also be observed, on comparing the above statement
with the similar one in the Board's last Report, that
nearly one-half of the increased expenditure is due to the
increase in the Precepts, both of the Metropolitan Board and
the School Board for London, and a large sum has been
expended for the New Offices.
The Table appended to the Board's Report for the past
year, for comparing the expenditure for the years 1872-3
and 1873-4 is also repeated and extended to the past year,
thus affording u similar comparison between the three vears.
Of tho total sum of £74,963, shown to have been
received by the Board during the year, only £40,845 was
raised by rate, but this sum necessitated an increase in the
average rating of tho previous three years, from 3s. 10d. to 4s. 4d.
in Lewisham, amd from 3s.9d.to 4s.in penge..
The amount of rates for the past year, is, however,
believed to bo considerably below the average of Metropolitan
Parishes.
Of tho sum of £22,000, shown to have been raised by
mortgage, one-half has been borrowed for the New Offices,
at the joint cost of Lewisham and Penge; and the other
half for paving works, of which £7,300 has been for Lewishain,
and £3,700 for Penge.
A Table is appended, showing tho total sums borrowed
by tho Board from its constitution in 1856 to Lady-day last,
amounting in all to £90,522; of this sum £34,818 has been
paid off, and £55,704 only remained outstanding at Lady-day
last; tho ratcable value of the District, according to the
Valuation Lists in force at that time, being £418,556.
The Board are therefore again enabled, unhesitatingly,
to submit to the Inhabitants of the District that their
Financial position is sound and healthy, and that the
beneficial results of the improved condition of the District
abundantly justify the increased expenditure they have
necessarily incurred.
By Order,
SAML- EDWARDS,
Clerk to the Board.