COST OF LIVING.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 31 July 1912, Page 4

COST OF LIVING.

A EKENCH OPINION. The question of the price of edible produce, particularly of meat, occupies to a large extent the minds as well as the insides of those who are affected by it. Inquiry into questions of this nature is generally referred to the Minister of Agriculture, but he is too much inclined to occupy himself in the first place with the agriculturist, forgetting that four-fifths of the French people suffer in regard to satisfying their needs in this respect. There are several paints for consideration. First of aU, questions of national fobd>supply should be made the subject of study by the Upper Commission, composed of members selected on the one hand by the Minister of Agriculture, and on the other by mun under* standing the requirements of the consumers. These latter require to be represented and supported. As a result a solution should be found which, while satisfying the needs of agriculture, affords to all facilities in regard to requisite food-supplies.

One is always talking—and justly so—of the working-man, But what one too readily forgets is the fact thai, by the side of these theie are clerks, small tradespeople—in a word, all those who, in Prance, have only limited resources at their disposal : and this class is legion. Assuredly agriculture ought not to be neglected. It represents our prime means of subtenaace, and it is essential that it should be encouraged. With this aim m view, it is desirable to provide for it a connection among the wealthier classes—these will not become insolvent—and, further, to facilitate the exportation of its products. There is an opening for agriculture produce which must not be ignored. Advancement on theso lines should be kept ennstantly in view. Yet one must not forget that the consumers have their special needd. They require to Jive at the cheapest rate. One must not sasrifice their interests to those of the foimer class, as has been done iox a long time past. To this end it is desirable to face the abolition of the prohibitive tariff which strikes at the entry of frozen meat. The inportation of such produce should be encouraged. This is a solution which sooner or later must be reached. Why put off the moment of bringing about this useful benefit '? It is the public weltare which is thus being trifled with, Let us bear in raind in reference to this sudject that in England the question of the dual supply of meat has also arisen ; yet in spite of the enormous importation which there goes on of frozen meat' from other countries, the meat-supply furnished by the local farmers maintains .its superior and remunerative position. —N.Z, Journal of Agriculture.