THE COST OF LIVING.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 6 April 1916, Page 2

THE COST OF LIVING.

HAVE IT OUT IN THE HOUSE

IT is natural that the Prime Minister and members of Cabinet should desire that the session of Parliament to open in May should not be a lengthy one (says Hon. Mr Russell's '* Spectator "), and that contentious subjects dealt with should be as few as possible. However, there are several highly contentious matters that have been, and still are, agitating the public mind, and it is quite possible that some members may feel it their duty to ventilate them in Parliament. It will be, from several points of view, just as well that these matters should be ventilated. Parliamentary discussion acts as a sort of safetyvalve, and in nine cases out of ten it is more expedient that members should " have it out " in the House rather than grievances or supposed grievances, should accumulate. The necessity for Parliamenty action in respect of the Dominion's finances, and its taxation, in respect of recruiting matters and soldiers' allowances and pensions, is very generally recognised, but of equal importance is the question of the increased cost of living and the problems arising from it. The general unrest shown by almost every section of the community is a very strong indication that Parliament will require to go into the whole subject very thoroughly. It may be that before Parliament meets the Board of Trade will be in a position to make recommendations which, if given effect to, will relieve the pressure on those sections of the community that are feeling the increased cost of living most acutely. I n default of the Board being prepared with definite recommendations, it will be matter of some difficulty for Parliament to escape taking some practical and immediate action.