EXPLOITING THE DAIRY FARMER

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2907, 20 October 1916, Page 6

EXPLOITING THE DAIRY FARMER

WHY NOT OTHERS? Sir, —It is with a great deal of interest and not a little amusement that I read in your columns from day to clay of the latest attempt of a number of our Socialistic citizens to exploit the much maligned farmer. It is indeed extraordinary that, butter alonot should fall under the "ban." It is well known to all housekeepers that in tho majority of homes _ tho quantity of butter consumed per individual per diem is much less than tho quantity of other articles of diet. Two pounds of butter per week is sufficient for a family of four (two adult 6 and two children). This at Is.' Sd. per lb. is 3s. 4d., whereas 3s. 4d. worth of butchers' meat would last tho same family only two days, or three at most

with tho strictest economy. Bacon, also, is being retailed at Is. 3d. per lb-i while the producer thereof is very fortunate if iie receives 6Jd. per lb. lor his pork. What then becomes of these profits? Candles also have advanced 50 per cent, during tho war period/ kerosene also very considerably, ana every other article used in housekeeping—still 110 complaint. Tea alone remains at almost the same price, but the quality lias become so inferior that methinks s the merchants might easily ■ reduce the price and still make very considerable profits, j Hatches might justly receive a little attention. Wo aro asked to pa?; exorbitant priccs for very inferior matches, and up to tha present we have heard no complaint, from either the Board of Trade or that, much-injured innocent "The Working: Man" (ten to one they all smoke). Then, again, take the case of the washerwomen. In pro-war days I was never asked to pay more than 2s. 6d. per half day, with- morning tea and luncheon; now I am calmly asked to_ pay 4s'.'per half day, on account of the , increased cost of living. I venture to; opine that it would bo only just (and wo do talk so loudly and long about our British fair play and justice) il one of our members of Parliament, preferably Mr. Payne, would wait on the executive of the Washcr-woir/n's Union and inform them that they shall not receive more than 3s. lier half day, and that those women whose work takes less time than a- full halfday, shall pay to their less fortunate sisters a tax of not less tliau 6d. per week. Ye Gods! What lias happened to our New Zealand politics ? The mystery deepens. Will some one kindly ex- ■ plain?—l am, etc.. A WAGE-EARNER'S WIFE.