COST OF LIVING

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9795, 19 October 1917, Page 5

COST OF LIVING

amended report HELD OVER AT SUGGESTION OF PREMIER. “WE DON’T WANT TWO REPORTS.” Mr C. E. Statham, M.P. for Dunedin Central (chairman of the Oost-of-Living Committee) asked leave yesterday afternoon to lay upon the table of the House of Representatives the amended report of the committee. The report, he stated, had been referred back to the cominiittee for them to reconsider tbo clause which suggested that the Pood Controller should have power to buy Now' Zealand products aD the ruling export prices and sell them at lower prices, the loss resulting to be charged Up to the Consolidated Fund. The committee had considered the clause that morning, and as they could not arrive at a conclusion, they decided that the remainder of the report should bo submitted to the House. They would consider tho Mans* and bring down a report on it, if they’could agree on the matter, next week. The Prime Minister suggested that tho report should bo hold over till com-' pleted. ifio had promised a day for private members’ business, and ho made that suggestion by way of giving private members a chance. Mr Statham: “May I suggest that the report come down to-morrow ?” Mr. Massey: “A don’t caro when it comas down, so long as it is complete.” Mr Statham; “The committee are anxious to got tho report down.” Mr Massey: “Yes, hut wo don’t want two icports.” The report was bold over.