High Cost Of Living

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 153, 24 March 1939, Page 11

High Cost Of Living

Sir,—Mr. P. M. Butler asks for increased wages for workmen and thinks £5 should be the minimum wage. 1 should be amused if the whole business were not so heartbreaking. W hostfault is it that the cost of living has risen so rapidly? Was not Mr. Savage warned that his 40-hour week and rise in wages would put up costs? His only reply was to tell us gently not to be afraid, he would look after us and would not allow prices to go up! Tms Government, unfortunately, is learning experience at our expense. I was one of the people that welcomed them _ to power, that hoped it was the beginning of a new era, and I have had a rude awakening. I have, or had, a fixed income—only a small one—but with a little chopped off a mortgage owing to me, company taxation, ajid the same low rent paid by a tenant, though repairs have increased and the tenant makes a nice little income sub-letting. Anyone can see that this could easily be the experience of a great number of unfortunates living under our benign Government. To crown all, though I should be exempt from unemployment tax, being over 60, I have now to register and pay social security tax, from which I shall get no benefit whatever. I did not expect monetary benefit as my income slightly exceeds the amount allowed, but being a delicate woman, did look forward to medical benefits.

It is unnecessary for me to point out that the value of my income has dropped so much that it is hard for me to live in the comfort which my age requires. On top of this we read of the well-paid waterside workers, who, I am told, make very big wages, embarrassing 'their own Government, and this at such a critical time in the world’s history!—l am, etc., ONE WHO HAS LEFT LABOUR.