In 1919 Labour captured fourteen London boroughs and imposed a
rate which for three years averaged • 17s. 6d. in the I. In 1922 Labour lost eight of these • fourteen boroughs, and in these eight boroughs during the past three years the average rate under the Municipal Reformers has been 12s. 7d. in the £. It is true that in the six boroughs which Labour retained the rate has fallen—but only from 17s. 6d. to 16s. id. The Labour answer is that the higher rate is well worth while, as important public services are properly financed instead if : being squeezed and discouraged. They can also .add with a certain truth that the boroughs they control are the poorest and that there the rate is necessarily -high owing to the amounts which have to be disbursed • in relief. Still, when all allowances have been made, it remains true that the contest is between a policy of spending and a policy of economy. We urge all those who believe in the many benefits direct and indirect which .are obtained from ,public •economy--and the policy of .economy, be it remembered, has never withheld or pinched, the essential services—not to be forgetful or lazy next Monday but to cast their votes for the Municipal Reformers.
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