COST OF LIVING.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 August 1917, Page 5

COST OF LIVING.

STATE SERVANTS' PETITIONS.

('By Wire.—.Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, Last Hight. In the House this afternoon, Mr. Craigie (Timaru) presented a petition signed by 140 members of the New Zealand State Service Association, .asking tho Government to <; devise means o( effecting relief in the matter of tho 'increased cost of living." Mr. Craigie added that the petitioners wished the Government to set lip a committee to consider the cost of living question, and to hear the evidence of servants of the State and others whose testimony might bri regarded as important. He hoped the Government would act in accordance with the wishes of the petitioners. Mr. lsttt (Oliristehurcli ivjorth) said he had a similar petition signed by 135 public servants resident in his electorate. The Prime Minister said he , would riot linw'any, objection to sotting up a committee of the House on the lines suggested. There were certain difficulties'.: in tho way,,.and he was not prepared ; tO/,,inake a definite: promise at that stage.' Tie would be able -to give an answer within a' few days. He thought it would bo a very good thing to have the Whole subject l ventilated, and let the. people get. on idea of the difficulties'in'the way of doing what they were asking in connection with tho coat of living. ■ Just before the House, rose, Mr. Massey moved to set up a committee, and: the motion was agreed to;