COST OF LIVING

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 149, 19 March 1921, Page 7

COST OF LIVING

FURTHER DECLINE IN ENGLAND

EFFECT ON WAGES

By Telegraph—Preaa Association-Copyright. (Rec. March 18, 7.20 p.m.)

London, March 18.

Official index figures of the cost of living show a decline of ten points during February. They stood at 141 per cent, above pre-war figures at March 1, compared with 176 per cent, in November, when they reached the maximum. It is calculated that the 35 points decline represents a halfcrown in the pound. The reduction, is mainly in food prices, but clothes and personal and household necessities contribute. The fall considerably affects wages on the sliding scale basis. Railwaymen from April 1 are entitled to 4s. less per week, equivalent to £7, 200,000 annually off the national debt. -Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. seamTn’Twages DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED REDUCTIONS ADJOURNED. London, March 17. The Maritime Board discussions on the proposed reductions in wages have been adjourned for a month to permit tho parties to deliberate upon them.— Aus.-N.Z. Caible Assn. [The National Maritime Board has intimated to the Merchant Service Guild that the board wishes to consider an immediate reduction of 90s. monthly. in the pay of navigating and engineering staffs; also a reduction of 110 s. monthly in the catering department, with an entire revision of the overtime conditions of all ratings. A round-table conference was to have been held last Thursday.]