THE PRICE OF BUTTER

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 296, 8 September 1920, Page 5

THE PRICE OF BUTTER

VIEWS OF THE WOMEN'S NATIONAL COUNCIL. The following open letter with .regard to the price of butler is to be sent from the Women's National Council (Wellington branch) to the Prime Minister (Hon. W. F. Massey), members of the Cabinet, and members of the select committee to be-appointed to fix'the local price of butter:— "Sir,—Since the war, prices have been rising in what to the average person seems like an overwhelming flood. Now the price of butter threatens to 'become prohibitive. This council therefore respectfully submits that the price of this commodity to a New Zealand consumer be kept at Is. 9<l. ti pound by mekns .of a controlled price und an export tax. We know that there are difficulties in the 1 way: (1) the world'shortage, consequent high prices, and the apparent right of the producer to roap full economic benefits thcrefrcm. "Against this economic view the council would direct attention to the human Bide of the situation, i.e., the insufficient supplies of butter, and milk which the average person will be able to provide for his family, at world prices. Plentiful supplies cf these com modifies must be within the reach of nil if New Zealand is to havo a healthy and vigorous population. Further, the majority, of New Zealand people, whose butler is on the spot, will not see the force of economic law which lias the effect of increasing butter which is on the spot to the world's market price. 12) The importance of getting high value for our exports is granted, but an export tax which keeps local supplies nt a lower figure will not do away with high values in a wcrld market. Further,' this high, value is not. created by tho producer himself, but is due to social" causes over which he has had no control. Should not tho general prosperity, duo to those high prices, be tnore generally diffused through the community in the way of cheaper butter nnd milk? Finally, it is often 'stated that if an export tax is imposed the pioduce'r will not produce. Sir, ns farmin" is an important national service, and as e our farmers have always shown themselves patriotic, this council refuses to believe that this can be. An expert tax 011 the whole ot part of the butter output which keeps local supplies at Is lOd. a- pound to the consumer should bo able to yield to any patriotic fanner a very reasonable profit. \Yc hope that the?o matters will be very seriously considered when the pricc of butter is b<J in R fixed. (Signed) N. E. Coot!, president Women's 'National Council; Alma trill, lion, secretary; C. A. Eemlerson, president of the Women Prisoners \\elmvo League."