THE PRICE OF BUTTER.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 July 1920, Page 4

THE PRICE OF BUTTER.

SIXPENCE BISE EXPECTED, BUT THE COUNTRY BENEFITS, (By Telegraph—Special Correspondent.) Wellington, Last Night. Aext season the price of butter to the people of New Zealand is almost sura to rise to 2s 3d per pound, ten increase of sixpence on the present price of Is 9d. and a question on this subject was asked in the House to-day. Dr. Newman asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increased price the butter people were likely to get during the coming season for their output, he would take whatever steps were nee essary to prevent a large increase in the price of butter to the people in the towns. Mr. Massey: So far at winter supplies are concerned this has already been done. There is a sufficient supply of )ku ter in the cold stores right through Ww country to supply the needs-of the population until well into the spring.' to Smm tember Ist, I think. I dafo «iythe li*i« orable member recollects that even now we are subsidising the butter producers to keep down the price of butter for local consumption. Dr. Newman: But I understand it i« going higher. Mr. Massey: Well, if it goes tigheir it will bring more money into the coun> try. Mr. Holland: It will take it out of the poor people's pockets. Mr. Massey: If'more money comes Into the country the people will hare lofflM* ent money to pay the increased pricf. Mr. Holland: Will you guarantee thttt Mr. Massey: I will guari#e* that every man in this country Whß wants work can get work, and wages hate n«W before within my memory been so high as they are to-day. Mr.. Holland: Their purchasing power is lower. Mr. Massey: I will look into the que*, ion asked by the honorable member*-* proper question to be asked by * representative of a town constitueney-iut we must bear in mind that we hare no right to do anything that may cause the producer to suffer. The prosperity ofjthe whole oommunity depends on the producer, and if the producer suffers thi whole oountry suffers. '