COST OF LIVING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 323, 12 July 1912, Page 5

COST OF LIVING.

THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC. By Telegraph —Press Association. Wellington, Yesterday. Before the Cost of Living Commission the Rev. J. Dawson, general secretary of the New Zealand Alliance, said 'that the cost of liquor was regarded by them ■ as a waste or worse than a waste. The «. drink bill in 1911 showed that at gallon rate £3,859,371 was spent in liquor. In reply to Mr. Fairbairn, the witness said that he obtained the figures from the Customs returns. Mr. Fairbairn thought some figures were open to dispute, especially the estimate of beer at 4s per gallon. . The witness, continuing, said that'hia executive supplied the argument, which showed there was a loss instead of, a gain on the liquor revenue. He cited the cost of prisons, slums, charitable ■• institutions, etc., a/large proportion of the cost of which must be attributed,to the results of the liquor traffic. The Pakatoa and Rotoroa inebriates' home were direct lolse9 to the State. The Rev. J. W. Comrie, chairman of the Alliance executive, gave figures to prove that the efficiency and capacity of the worker was sometimes impaired as the result of liquor, and this loss must be charged against it.

TUBNED DOWN. Mr. C. P. Skerrett, K.C., appeared before the Cost of Living Commission in Wellington, and said- that Mr. J. G. W. Aitken had desired him to make a statement on his behalf to' the Commission, so that he might not exhibit any personal discourtesy to any member of the Commission. Mr. Tregear: The Commission is not prepared to hear any statement from Mr. Aitken if vour appear as his counsel. He decline's to appear himself Mr. Skerrett: I have not said so at present. I apprehend that it is perfectly fair that T should be allowed to make any statement. Ido not wish to dispute vour ruling, but I desire to protest against my being prevented from explaining why Mr. Aitken and other witnesses should not be called on to give evidence. Mr. Fairbairn protested .against this explanation. If Mr. Aitken were prepared to give evidence on his own account they would be pleased to hear him. Mr. Skerrett: I am addressing myself to the chairman of- this Commission, whom I must regard as the mouthpiece of the Commission. If the chairman says he cannot hear any statement from me I must agree to his ruling. Mr. Tregear: I will not hear any explanation from you. ,',..■ Mr. Skerrett: All I desire to add is to very respectfully enter my protest against the action of the Commission in refusing to hear any explanation. Mr. Tripe, who is solicitor for the New Zealand Merchants' Association, and Mr. Gold, who is secretary, desire to join with me and concur in respectfully protesting to the Commission.