OTAGO LABOUR COUNCIL

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2283, 17 October 1914, Page 9

OTAGO LABOUR COUNCIL

FOOD PRICES MANIFESTO. (By Telesrajjh.—Prese Association.) ■ Dunedin, October 16. A manifesto has been issued by tho Otago Labour Council, dealing with the price of flour and. other matters arising from tho war. . ' . Tho manifesto condemns tho Government for set.ting iip a Royal Commission instead of following tlie example oi Great Britain and New South Wales. The consequence was that not till two months after war had broken, out was the price of wheat and flour fixed, and the result ie that merchants and holders of wheat are flouting the decision of the Government and ignoring tho prices fixed , . The manifesto,states that the Govern-' ment stands condemned of inexcusable want of statesmanship and backbone in dealing with the inflated price -..of ■.everyday commodities-'caused by the war.- ■ The system of private enterprise is condemned, and State...ownership and control supported. ■ / . On the question of a State bank, it- ie contended that if the security of ■ the Dominion makes the banks secure in times of stress, then, tho same security would meet the case of normal times. GOVERNMENT ACTION DEFENDED. The statement made in the manifesto issued by the Otago Trades and Labour Council was referred to the Prime Minister by a reporter last evening. .

"Wβ are .condemned for setting up a Commission instead of following the example of Great Britain and New South Wales," said Mr. Massey, "but those responsible for tie manifesto are apparently'not aware of the facts. In both New South Wales and Victoria Commissions were- appointed. In New Zealand we have not only appointed a, Commission, but we also prohibited the export of wheat and flour from New Zealand, and took steps to augment our supplies by endeavouring to purchase sufficient wheat in Australia to provide, against any possible-shortage. The position is much more difficult Zealand owing to the fact that ■Wβ have not sufficient wheat and flour in the Dominion to lastus until next harvest, unless the harvest happens to be a particularly early ono. Australia, on the other hand, has a large surplus for the present season, although theyare apprehending a shortage next season on account of the drought." "The effect of setting up the Commission in New Zealand." Maeeey, "has reen really good, as it has frevented any .'attempt at exploitation, t has kept prices down to a fair level, which leaves a reasonable margin to the producer, and,at the same time enables goods which' cannot be made in New Zealand to be imported from abroad."