THE COST OF LIVING

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2049, 28 November 1907, Page 2

THE COST OF LIVING

GERMAN WORKERS FEEL THE PINCH.

REMOVAL OF DUTIES AND RESTRICTIONS URGED.

Jnited Press Association—Copyright (Received Nov. 27, 9.39 p.m.) BERLIN, Nov. 27. Herr . Sclieidmann, a Socialist, ire. the Reichstag, complained that tlio average cost of living had increased during a decade by 33 1-3 per cent, n heat, lie said, had risen 45 per cent in six years, and flour 34'per cent since last year, while beef had risen 36 per cent and mutton 50 per. cent during the decade. The upward movement^ was alarming the workers. Herr Schei’demanu urged the removal of duties on imported corn,- and the relaxation of the stringent regulations in connection with the importation of foreign meat.

The Minister for the Interior replied that tlio higher wages caused an increased consumption of all commodities and a general improvement in the standard of life. The amount of meat now consumed had nearly risen to the British level. The prices of live stock had recently declined, only the butchers had not made a corresponding reduction. International factors largely regulated the price of corn, and it was absurd to speak of famine prices. Even tlio temporary suspension of tlio corn duties was out of the question. it would only benefit the speculators and middlemen.