A FEW POINTS TO THINK ABOUT.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 November 1919, Page 2

A FEW POINTS TO THINK ABOUT.

To the Editor. Sir .—Your extract from the Daily Express offering a fow points to think about, brings me to tho following conclusions: "Hign wages do not mean that you can live better" but allow that tho wage-earner la getting a share ef the prosperity of the land and smaller profits for the profiteer. "High priced raw material means a high price for fl" ? *hed articles/' aud better Income for tho p. .iucer of the raw. "The value of wages what thoy will purchase," and tho wages of one pound now in New Zealand will only buy twelve shillings' worth comporcd with pre war rates "Wo nre not th© only manufacturing country on earth," but we can easily be self-sup- I porting, so see that wo are well looked after before we offer to be generous. Yes, we "still : ha.vo Germany" as a welcome eefmpstitor, though we were 'old that we wore to exterminate her when, we went to fight. If Ameri* nan producers per man can produce twice as much as we do, Is it because thoy are such' good men, or that the captains of industry ; employ efficient methods of production? If they are such good men, better import some. "Producing largo quantities docs not mean lower wages," but higher profits. For shareholders. and the retail price remains as high as ever. And if "we can sell abroad at a lower price," then the producers cry that they are not getting a fair deal,, which is always an excuse for lowering wages. How much nicer to co-operate with "France wilier rich ore deposits in Lorraine*'" (instead of looking at. her with covetous eyesr) build a strong nation comprised instead of two weak ones? However, will Germany prepare for the next war If we do not buy her goods and assist her? With her own energy and our assistance she will forge ahead Can the Daily Express tell us how to become rich, roar large families, save money, and insure our lives on wages that are only a hand to mouth allowance? And what would become of the nation and money if wages were doubled? Vg3, but thoy won't tell.—l am, etc., PADDY BANJO,