COST OF LIVING.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 6 October 1917, Page 2

COST OF LIVING.

WELLINGTON 'DEM ONSTP^ATIONI

MARCH TO PARLIAMENT.

WELLINGTON, October 3.

Following a big public meeting in Wellington Town Hall to discuss the cost of living, a deputation of about 3000 working men marched with a band to Parliament Buildings to-night to present to the Premier a resolution of protest. Three speakers, including the president of the Trades Council claimed that wage-earners, though entitled to share in the country’s unequalled prosperity, had suffered so seriously by high prices that they were unable to properly feed and clothe their families, “We have a bit of hope from deputations,” said Mr Bruce, of the Waterside Workers’ Union, “judging by the result of the six o’clock deputation.” The speakers got a quiet hearing, but when Mr Massey commenced he was counted out. He got a quiet hearing until each argument was completed, when the crowd invariably jeered. He pointed out that, except for tea Parliament, though it passed millions of extra taxations, had not imposed burdens on wage earners. “It is because we are able to export many millions worth of products that we are able to pay high wages,” he urged. The crowd roared dissent, and asked about the price of butter, and demanded a speedy general election. The Premier retorted; “You will get it all right, and be very sorry when you do. The Government might bo congratulated on keeping the country prosperous.” Roars of dissent ended in the loud counting out of Mr Massey, who retorted: ‘"That’s an admission of defeat.” This declaration set the crowd aflame again, and before quiet was restored the Premier had walked away.

Tfie chief spokesman remarked: “Mr Massey has gone away becauseyou were rude to him. He was absolutely straight and showed you where he stands.” The crowd called for Mr Webb and waited for his appearance, and heard a brief speech from him and Mr Payne, both of whom urged the workers to use their votes to secure control of Parliament. Mr Bruce declared that one door had been shut, but he believed the workers, through their organisations, could deal in a better way with the problem than Mr Massey.