COST OF LIVING.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 5 June 1912, Page 4

COST OF LIVING.

KOYAL COMMISSION OF - ENaUIBY c The following gentlemen have been appointed a Rojal Commission to '' en quire into and report upon certain questions relating to the cost of living . in New Zealand " : — ( Andrew Fairburn, Ohristchurch (of I the firm of Messrs. Fairburn and "Wright, importers' agents). Edwin Hall, Auckland (a prominent J member of the Agricultural Association). ] George "W. Leadley, Wakanui (exnational vice-president; of the New '. Zealand Farmers' Union). "William G-. Macdonald, Westport, ; John Robertson, M.P. ,Levin, ' John Ross, Dunedin (senior partner '. Jn the firm of Messrs. Rosa and Glendening). Edward Twgear,F, S, 0., Wellington. "William A. Veitch, M.P, Wanganui, The Commission, is ordered to enquire into the following questions :— 1. Has the cost of living increased in New Zealand during the past twenty years ? If so, has that in* crease been more marked during the last ten than during the previous ten years, 2. Has the increase, if any, been more markeb in New Zealand than in other English-speaking countries. 3. To what extent is the increased cost of living, if any, the result of a higher standard of living ? 4. In what special direction has the increase, if any, been most marked : (a) rent (b) food, (c) clothiog, (d) lighting and fuel, (c) household necessaries, (f; attendance, and (g) education ? 5. To what extent have monopolies, combines, trusts, and other associations of manufactures or sellers of the necessaries of life contributed to the rise in prices ? 6. What has been the effect on prices of the tariff reduction.? 7. To what extent, if any, has the rise in the price of land, chiriDg the past twenty years, contributed to ths rise in the price of commodities ? ' 8, What effect has the demand for New Zealand products beyond the Dominion had on prices of such commodities ? 9. What effect, if any, has the Labour legislation had on prices of the commodities of life ? 10. What iufluence, if any, has the values of gold had on the cost of living ? 11. What effect have the movements of the urban and rural population had on the cost of living ? j 12, What causes generally have brought about the increased cost of living ? 13. What steps should be taken with a view to reducing the cost of the necessary of life ? Mr. Ct, Leadley is appointed chairman of the Comniiesion, which is empowered to conduct enquiries at Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland' to examine witnesses, and to Kf call for and examine all such books and records as you deem likely to afford you the fullest information on the subject.matter of the enquiry." The report is to be sent in by 2o th June next.