PROBLEM OF THE CENTURY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 28 November 1907, Page 2

PROBLEM OF THE CENTURY.

THE COST OF LIVING. THE UPWARD TENDENCY IN GERMANY. ABOLITION OF DUTIES ADVOCATED Ah INTERESTING REPLY. Received Nov. 27, 9.39 p.m. Berlin, November 27. Hen- Scheidemann, a Socialist in the Reichstag, complained that the average coat of living had increased during a decade 33 1-3 per cent. Wheat had risen 45 per cent, in six years, and flour ik per cent, since last year, while beef has risen 3G per cent, and mutton 50 per cent, during the last decade. The upward movement was alarming the workers. Hcrr Seheidemann urged the removal of duties on imported corn, and relaxation of the stringent regulations in connection with the importation of foreign meat. The Minister for the Interior replied that higher wages caused increased consumption of all commodities and a general improvement in the standard of | life. The amount of meat now consumed had nearly risen to the British level. The prices of live stock, he said, had recently declined, only the butchers ; had not made a corresponding reduc- . tion. International factors largely regu- . latcd the price of corn. It was absurd . to speak of famine prices. Even a teml porary suspension of the corn duties was ; out of the question, as it would only - benefit speculators and middlemen.