COST OF LIVING IN GERMANY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8991, 28 November 1907, Page 5

COST OF LIVING IN GERMANY.

UTWARD MOVEMENT ALARMING. INCREASED WAGES THE CAUSE. Received November 27, 9.39 p.m. BERLIN November 27. Scheuermann, a Socialist, speaking in the Reichstag, complained that the average cost of living had increased during a deGade by 33 1-3 per cent. Wheat had "risen by 45 per cent, in six years, flour by 34 per cent, since last year, while beef had risen 36 per cent., and mutton 50 per cent, during a decade. The upward movement in prices was alarming the workers. Scheiderinann urged the removal of duties on imported corn and the relaxation of the stringent regulations in connection with the importation of foreign meat. The Minister for the Interior replied that higher wages had caused an increased consumption of all commodities, and a general improvement in the standard of life. The amount of meat now consumed had nearly risen to the British level. The prices of live stock had recently declined, only butchers nlade a corresponding reduction. International factors largely regulated the price of corn. It was absurd to speak of famine prices. Even a temporary suspension of the corn duties was out of the question. It would only benefit speculators and middlemen.