Dear Sir,

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 3, 10 March 1947, Page 4

Dear Sir,

Letters to the Editor must be clearly written on one side of the paper only and where a nom-de-plume is used the name of the writer must be included for reference purposes. The Editor reserves the right to abridge, amend or withhold any letter or letters.

CONSUMER CO-OPERATIVES

Sir, —There has recently been formed in Whakatane a committee to investigate the possibilities of establishing a Consumers’ Co-oper-ative store at Kopeopeo. The chairman of this committee is Mr. A. Fordyce, 23 James Street. Most people have a fair idea of what a consumers co-op. is. It was founded at Rochdale, England and has made wonderful progress there. At present it has over nine million shareholders and in America it has over five million. Much progress has been made in New Zealand, particularly in State housing areas, but it should be distinctly understdod that it is not confined to State tenants —all can participate in its benefits. Its operation is truly democratic in that the shareholders have one vote—and one only—no matter what capital is invested in it. In this way the control cannot pass out of 'the hands of all shareholders into those of a few who could invest the majority of the capital. As was stated before it is the possibilities that are being explored. If sufficient support is forthcoming a public meeting will be called, when the Dominion Organiser, Mr. Churton, will deliver a lecture together with a film on the subject. In order to get the true feeling it is asked that anyone interested —or any organisation—contact the undersigned before March 21st.

L.C. RICHARDS, Hon. Sec. Investigating Com 23 Stewart St. Phone 297.

LICENSING COMMITTEE

Sir, —After reading the comment in the Beacon of the Licensing Committee election to be held tomorrow it appears obvious that the residents of Whakatane town and country will have to make an extra effort if they wish to retain representation on the committee. In the past there has been a tendency to regard this election rather lightly but with the findings of the Royal Commission to become operative in the near future the Licensing Committee may well become a very important organisation.

Any lack of representation from Whakatane may be greatly lamented.

' Hotel accommodation in Whakatane we all know is far short of the district’s requirements and will need extending in the near future. Many other matters vitally affecting this area are shortly to be considered by the committee. Mr A. Nicol and Mr F. Pile have been nominated by Whakatane and Opotiki respectively but the other five nominations are all from Rotorua and could if they gained sufficient votes comprise the entire committee leaving the Bay without representation. As the committee consists of five members only the abovementioned two gentlemen should receive liberal support from the Whakatane district and it is respectfully suggested that to ensure their success the following ticket be endorsed : O. H. Coleman, E. G. Guy, T. Jackson, A. Nicol and F. Pile. Yours etc., REX MORPETH,

President, Whakatane Chamber of

Commerce.

THE GOVERNMENT AND THE WORKER

Sir, —To the extent to which the Government is compromised with its financial ends and forgetful of its responsibilities to the people, so are their preoccupations with its financial policy, and more particularly their desire to use the 40-hour week, and the basic wage increase to limit the expansion of private enterprise in industry, rather than to benefit the worker. Any tax reduction to. the worker, may, in the hope of easing the situation as a palliative is useless, any improvement by the re-j moval of the 6d in the £ will cancel itself out, as an improved turnover in industry will anticipate collections from the basic wage increase. So you may reduce the tax but the volume of taxation will increase on production; and the worker is still chasing his tail. The Government should concern itself with the high cost of living which is the cause of discontent amongst the workers and

the people. Mr Nash claims that he is pre-occupied in preventing inflation, but the policy he is pursuing is the most likely to cause inflation. Our present day economic expert rectifies inflation by deflation of prices through the painful and devastating restriction of prices, and the withdrawal of credit issue by the Banks. On the other hand if Mr Nash and his co-ordinators were sincere they could prevent this! They could reduce prices, and use credit (the peoples credit) without adding to costs or increasing national debt. A revolution cannot be prevented by fighting the worker, neither can it be met by nationalising industry, and it is significent that most of the strikes of recent date have occurred in industries under public authorities. This indicates just how little the worker can expect under a socalled public ownership. Instead of being antogonistic and militant, common sense Should urge the worker to co-operate with all individual industry. To demand that the N.Z. Government sever its attachment to the policy of international finance as fostered by its advisers; and embark on a policy of “Real Credit” for the benefit of the people of New Zealand, and give a lead to world security. Yours etc. r W. BRADSHAW*