Costs

The price of the evening meal has just risen. Last year's figures for the operation of the Caf. shows a rather sizeable loss—about £170. in fact. The main reasons given for this are first, the changes in staff over the last year which have meant that efficiency dropped, and second, the terrific rise in the cost of wages over the last few years. Though the other costs—with the exception of the prices of meat, haven't gone up much, the wage rates have. If we are to run it at all, we must expect to pay a fair salary for a competent manageress; the job isn't exactly a bed of roses. Moreover, the Caf. is closed for almost four months of the year, which means that, unless we get a new manageress every year, the salary must continue through that break. And of course there is a cook to be paid. Overheads are far greater in proportion on this 8 months period than they would be if they were spread over the whole year. However, the Controller is sure that the loss can be made up in the next year's operating.