THE COST OF LIVING

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 25 May 1917, Page 6

THE COST OF LIVING

■p- AND MUNICIPAL TRADING. r' " ~ At the last meeting of me Taihape Borough Council considerable discussion was devoted to the question of the increasing cost of living, and the opinion was expressed that tne Borough Council should make inquiries as to how the position could be ameliorated. In order to show what steps have been taken in this direction — and incidentally what not to do —we supply the result of efforts in this direction in Taumarunui, a town of somewhat the same size and situated in analagous conditions to Taihape:

It was thought that a period of municipal trading in food supplies had been secured for Taumarunui when the Borough Council, which has recently gone out of office, inaugurated bi-weekly fi4h sales, and was proposing to establish municipal butcheries, bakeries, fruit depots, etc. On the election .of a new council, however, the enterprise received a check, a committe being appointed to go into the matter of prices with the local fish vendors and endeavour to secure a regular supply at prices affording what was considered only a reasonable profit. This was done, and the two fish merchants agreed to terms which were regarded as satisfactory. The arrangement was to continue for a month in order to show how it worked. Meanwhile, the town became sharply divided into two parties, the municipalists and the independent traders.

An indignation meeting was called for, and was addressed by several prominent citizens. A deputation was appointed to meet the council, but so far no change in the policy of the local governing body has been effected. The position with regard to the meat supply is novel. A few months ago there were three separate butchering firms in the town. Two of these closed, leaving the third to cope with a very extensive trade. Several weeks ago the Board of Trade made overtures to this firm, asking them to take “Government” meat. The firm, it is stated, declined to do so. Then the Board arranged to open a State butcher’s shop. The existing firm then asked to be supplied on the same terms, but their request was refused. They then announced their intention of closing their business. As the State shop was not to be opened for another week, this meant a meat famine in the town. The Mayor summoned a special meeting of the council to deal with the emergency, with the result that the firm tvas persuaded to remain in business, and a telegram was sent to the Board of Trade, requesting it to supply, the firm from the Government hooks. The Chamber »f Commerce took similar action, but the Board of Trade’s reply was a firm negative.