Page 1 Advertisements Column 5

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 511, 5 March 1920, Page 1

TEMPOBA MUTANT OR ET NOS MTJTAMU/t IN ILLIS. (The times are changing, and we with them.) The Evolution of Economics. IT doesn't require a professor of economics to stive the reason why. Prior to the war the Dominion's man-power was abrut 300,000. Out of this 112,500. the flower of the land, enlisted; 17,000 have paid the supreme sacrifice, and about 20,000 permanently incapacitated, and the recent epidemic adds another 5,000, making the total 42,000; and, with no immigration, we will be handicapped tor a year or so. And does not this also apply to the whole of the Empire? During the second year ot the war, production of man's requirements was reduced materially, and our armies and munition workers had adopted a higher standard of living, and twice as much used in the shape of clothing, biots, meat, butter, cheese, etc., etc.. which thousands upon unfortunately were never accustomed to prior to the war, and at th 9 time the prices of those commodities were not a burden to the soldier and the munition workers a 9 in the first instance the soldier didn't pay for them, and the munition workers didn't feel them owing to the enormous wages paid- Now the war has ceased the soldier is seeHng employment and the munition worker's wages, for argument sake are down to about 35 per cent over pre-war rates, with his requirements about 50 to 60 per cent higher, owing to the world's shortage and with a desire to live at the same status as during the war. The Emmre's wheels of industry (with a tired people) are at a reduced speed for the want of raw material, and the products of the land are about two years behind, and until they get back to normal, and with huge shortages as at present, the pinch will be fait. The workers rightly demand a higher standard of living, which creates a heaver demand on production, and until it is overtaken, with the Continent on the verge of starvation, how oan prices recede. If they do, wages must also, in a line with Japan and other Eastern countries. This is a complex question. Profits are now taxed 7s 6d in the £. For instance, an industrial concern with a working capital of £IOO,OOO, paying 7 per cent., yielding £7,000, is taxed 7s 6d in the £, which brings its earning power down to about percent. Who would be worried about industry when War Bonds are paying V/2 per cent., free from taxation? This is the question to be considered for the salvation of the Dominion. ChampioD wishes his people to understand that this essay is not for advertising purposes, but to guide his candidates, as he is an acknowledged authority on economics as well as muscle-raising. v., AUCKLAND.

JOHN ROUTLY, A.N.Z.11. REGISTERED ARCHITECT. 20 Empire Buildings, BWANBON ST., AUCKLAND.