COST OF LIVING: INFORMATION WANTED.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2358, 14 January 1915, Page 7

COST OF LIVING: INFORMATION WANTED.

Sir, —At a meeting of the Labour Representation Committee held last night in. the Trades Hall, the question of increase in the price of foodstuffs, with its consequent effects on the living conditions of our people, was earnestly discussed and later on a committee was appointed to take evidence as widely as possible and present, a case to the pub-r lie and the goveniingiauthoritieson this most serious question of the high cost of living with its ever increasing pressure on the mass of our working population. ' When the facts arejfully compiled, it is intended to hold a great public meeting in the Town Hall in order that the great body of consumers shall have an adequate opportunity of seeking a remedy in whatever direction-it can be found. The Labour men who have rationally reviewed the present situation, as it affects the wage-earners, feel it to be intolerable that the wage standards should be kept stationary whilst all the time the purchasing power of the wages received is going down lower and lower. lam presenting this letter to the public by the direction of the committee that has been.set up, and I am instructed to seek the-fullest information from members of the public. We shall be glad' to secure from. persons having exact; knowledge detailed, facts relating to. (1) The production of commodities in common use. , . (2) The stocks of such commodities m hand and how these are held. (3) Tlie quantities of Dominion products in hand as compared with last year bofore the war occurred. (4). The-wholesale and retail, prices of imported goods and variations of freight and insurance charges that have taken place. (5) Particulars as to increase of cost on materials on which no war chaTges have been levied. (6) Comparative tables showing the increase, or otherwise, of retail prices in articles of food, clothing, footwear, light, and wheat supplies, etc. (7) Particulars as to rent of houses and business premises. (8) Exact records from housewives of the cost of keeping their homes and families, with full particulars .as to earnings received and details of increased expenses, and changes in the standard of living. As will be seen, we are seeking all information procurable.' I trust this movement will be taken up in Dunedui, Cbristchurch, Auckland, and in all cities, towns, and districts throughout the Dominion. All communications will be treated as confidential when so desired. I invite, and indeed urge upon, all wage-earners, housewives, business people, members of local bodies, and in short all persons who can 6upply exact data upon which the serious issue of the increasing cost of living can be examined to assist us fully. Letters and other matter may be addressed to the Cost of Living Committee (L.R.C.) under the name of Mr J. M'Keirae (chairman) or myself. We shall be pleased .to receive communications as.early as possible.—On behalf of above committee, I am, etc., D. M'LAREN. January 13, 1915., ' '