COST OF LIVING.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 496, 31 August 1912, Page 5

COST OF LIVING.

COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATIONS. [BY TKI.EUHAI'IT. —I'RKSS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, This Day. The report of the Cost of Living Commission waa laid before the House at 11 o'clock last night. Tho document is voluminous. It was shown that under existing conditions the increase or diminution cf the supply of gold had a marked effect on the prices but other factors are: The movement of population; labour legislation; development of overseas markets; monopolies and combines. The standard of living as distinguished from the cost of living has steadily improved. The commission recommended an increase in the advantages of rural life and occupation. Dealing with the question of tariff the recommendations ' were in the direction of free trade. On tho whole the protective tariff had not benefitted the workers. The commission recommended the municipalisation of markets. Legislation was needed to deal with combines and monopolies. The whole of the coastal shipping was a monopoly, tho chief partner being'the Union Steamship Company. The high price of land had not directly caused the high price of commodities. Prosecution of workers homes was recommended, also the provision of maternity nurses, and a vigorous immigration policy. The commission said it was undesirable to see the growth of landless farm labourers. The promotion of village settlements near to towns was recommended.