DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 April 1924, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TELEGRAPH rER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] THE COST OF LIVING. WELLINGTON, April 1. A statement to the effect that the Government Statistician intended to take over the Arbitration Court cost of living figures, was made by Air Justice Frazer at a sitting of the Court to-day. The statement was in ropy to a question by the President of the Trades and Labour Council as to whether it was the intention of the Court to make a pronouncement regarding an increase or decrease in the cost of living. Air Justice Frazer said that the Court bad not considered the question, but the Government Statistician had told him some time ago that he was going to take over officially the Court’s old cost of living figures. The Statistician was satisfied that the figures would stand any test and it was liis intention to publish the figures at regular intervals.

Air Read said that of cnurse it was desirable that they should have these figures, as the Court would take them into consideration in fixing wages. Afr Justice Frazer said that to a certain extent the figures would be a factor, but the cost of living was rising and falling all the time, although since 1921 there bad been a general trend downward. When making an award for a long term the Court struck a rate that would be an average over the whole term of the award Afr Read remarked that the publication of the figures would be of great assistance at Conciliation Councils and private conferences. Air Justice Frazer said that the figures would always be a big factor. TAXATION C’OAfAfISKION. WESTI’ORT. April 1. Yesterday afternoon, Air 1! E. Holland, ALP., Leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party, telegraphed to the* Prime Afinister with reference to the proposal to appoint- a Royal Commission consisting of AIY Justice Rim and four business men to inquire into I lie land and income tax system. Air Holland piotesteil that it would be manifestly unfair if the representation on tbo Commission be confined to one section of the community. and lie strongly urged that the organised workers bo given at least equal representation with tlu* business elements. DEPUTATIONS TO PREMIER.

CHRISTCHURCH, April 2. Mr \V. F. Massey received a deputation of T.B. soldiers from Hoibci poultry farm, who asked for certain pension concessions and also a remission of rent in view of the fact that- their disabilities prevented them from making an economic success id tin* farms. Air Massey promised to look into tin; matter, giving a hint tliaL a remission of back rent might be possible. Replying to oilier deputations Mr Massey admitted too high a price bad been paid for Hciliei which was unsuitable. Tbo total annual cost of economic pensions was V 120,000 and if tiie intentions of the Act were not being carried out. it was a matter for Parliament. Ho promised that constables making inquiries about pensioners would wear plain clothes.