THE COST OF LIVING.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 August 1919, Page 8

THE COST OF LIVING.

* ' i MR. MASSEY REPLIES TO CRITICS,] Auckland, August 5"While we arc on this subject of politics," said Mr. Massey, "I sliould just [like to make reference to criticism that has been levelled against the Coalition 'and its administrative work. The Coalition was formed for two purposes, namely, to enable us better to do our full share in the war, and to keep the country prosperous during the war, and I contend that both'objects have been achieved thoroughly and well. That was the sole reason for the existence of the Coalition. It is not possible to carry on ordinary domestic legislation during a war period such as we have experienced. "Now, a 9 to adverse comment respecting our cost of living measures, I ask the people to compare the cost of living in this country with that in other countries. In England to-day the cost of living is double what it is in New Zealand, and in France it is 50 per cent. higher still. In Canada and America, also, look where prices hjave soared, compared with New Zealand pricesl Do you not think that if it had been possible to keep the cost of living in these countries down to the level which we would all like to see, their statesmen would not have done something to effect that reduction? It is absurd to argue that nothing has been done to check the upward tendency by the statesmen of the various countries where the burden of life- is so heavy to-day. Statistics will show that a very great deal lias been | done in New Zealand to keep down the cost of living. I know that increases have pressed heavily on large numbers At people of small incomes. Unfortunately this was a matter it was impossible to remedy, but I challenge t:ie accusation that the Coalition Government has done nothing, or hag failed to do everything possible. Only this morning I saw a complaint by a Member of Parliament regarding the cost of living. My recollection is that that particular member was himseW on the Plarlinraentary Cost of Living Committee, which made some valuable recommendations for the future, but failed to discover a single case of exploitation. Thnt committee had the opportunity of calling for anything in the shape of evidence and papers it considered necessary for its investigation. There is provision on the Statute Book to the effect that any •trader guilty of charging more than will enfti're him reasonable profit, taking all circumstances into consideration, is. liable to a fin? of £2OO, or, in the case of a company, £IOOO. Why do not public men who complain about the Government and the cost of living-do their duty in regard to that clause, and, if they know of exploitation, set the law in operation against the exploiters?"