OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 August 1942, Page 2

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

PRICES AND CONTROL

(To the Editor.) Sir,—Where is that big bad wolf—the Price Tribunal —a phantom of the Labour Government, which was created to protect us from the ravages of exploitation and racketeering? Has he eaten the fatted calf -and forgotten about the prices or are his masters afraid to let him- loose for fear he might catch some friends? Potatoes are reported to be selling in Wellington at Is 4d per lb. The Price Tribunal says 51bs. for Is. Lemons are bought at approximately 5d per dozen by the Internal Market Department, yet we pay 3d each and sometimes 6d each. Oranges should be sold at between 3d and 4d each says the Price Tribunal; yet last month I paid 9d each for Island oranges. And. last but not least, the chimney, scandal. Chimneypots, or field-pipes, that were 3s 6d are now being retailed at 6s 9d each. In one case two pots were erected—price £2. At the same place a bricklayer and his assistant worked ten hours and charged £lO. The owner found all the materials. Where are the powers that be? Oh where, oh where is that Price Tribunal? Thanking you, Sir, for valuable space. —I am, etc., E. J. ESLER. Masterton, August 14. VEGETABLE FRONT (To the Editor.) Sir, —The apology of Mr Ben Roberts, M.P., for the vegetable shortage makes it plainer still how desirable it is that we make ourselves at least self-suf-ficient in the matter of supplies of vegetables. Some planning has’ been done for the Army and kindred services, but the civilian position is serious. Does Mr Roberts suggest that adequate steps have yet been taken for the supply of civilian vegetables? A potato famine has caused sensible steps to be taken in regard to potatoes. Why not include all vegetables? Australia has shown us the way months ago by fixing prices per ton free on rail at country centres, thus: Swedes, £5; silver beet, £10; beetroot,, £9 10s; parsnips, £11; cabbages, £10; white turnips, £7; carrots, £ll. Labour shortage is likely to interfere with vegetable production and if the Army requires its spare units for its own- vegetable growing leave should be granted for four months to Home Guardsmen who are willing to grow vegetables instead of attending parades. Any civilian with a quarter acre who could grow carrots or parsnips should be welcomed and guaranteed at least a penny per pound. —Yours, etc.,

L. T. DANIELL, Masterton, August 14.