THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1906.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8238, 17 September 1906, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1906.

Speaking reoently in the Legislative Council tbe Hon. Mr Louissoa remarked :• "We flatter ourselves at the present time that our affairs are prosperous, that our workers are getting good pay, and that every one is happy and comfortable; b'ifc We seem to forget that a worker who at the present time receives from 8s to 12s a day is| no better off than be was a few years ago when he was receiving from 6s to 9b a day, because, although he is receiving more wages, he has to pay considerably more for a bare living, besides wbiob bis rent is higher and

his rates are higher, and he has to pay more for everything that his wife and children wear. In that way I consider that the worker at from 8s to 12a a day ia no better off to-riay—in fact, he is worse off —than the man who received from 6a to 9s a day a few years ago." The speaker went on to say that he thought it would be a good thing if the Government in considering the proposed Customs tariff—and he understood that if it did not receive attention thin year it was promised for next year—would regard their finanoos from that point of view. "Let us have," the speaker added, "a little surplus, or no surplus at all, but let us give the workers an easier living. Of course, it is not only the workers who would benefit by such a course. Take the case of men in situations—clerks and so on—whoso pay is from £l5O to £3OO a year. A few years ago that was, perhaps, an affluent salary for these men; but it is now a bare living. Time might bo very well spoilt in trying to crake life a little ploasauter and a little easier for these people with small in comes. Persons with large incomes do not need consideration—they can afford to pay for their luxuries whatever the country demands; but those witn small incomes really require consideration io this matter, and I trust that - any alteration in the Customs tariff will be in the directiou of easing the living of people in poorer circumstances."' 1 There is a great deal of truth in Mr Louieson's contention. If the Government would only forego record surpluses aud reduce taxation there are many deserving people in the country who would be very grateful to them. The cost of living has no* been increased so much by needed labour legislation, as by unnecessary enactments and "faddy" laws, which are very costly to administrate and, comparatively bpeaking, of no benefit to the people. But the position now is that the Government should legislate in the direction of reduoing the cost of living so far as the main body of the people fro concerned. If anything in the nature of depression were to come about in ibis country the aituation would be very serious indeed. The Government can and should deal with the high cost of living, and could effectively assist the people as a whole, first by economical administration, secondly, by reduoing taxation generally, and, thirdly, by increasing taxation in the case of those who can afford to pay.