Mr. Veitch and the High Cost of Living.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13528, 9 November 1911, Page 8

Mr. Veitch and the High Cost of Living.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir.—Mr Veiteh at his Gonville meeting was asked 'the following question: Kindly state, as briefly as possible, in’ detail how you arrive at the conclusion that the cost of living has gone up 25' per cent.?” His answer in substance V?aa': “House rent had increased by about 100 per cent., meat is considerably dearer, and I am sure, as everyone else is, that the cost of living has increased.” Surely a great answer to so insignificant a subject. To inake an assertion is indeed a very easy matter, but to back up that assertion by facts is often a very difficult job, and nothing but tacts will'satisfy the hard thinker at any time on any subject. Jdr Yeitch, for reasons best known to'himself,’did not attempt to answer the question submitted in the way it was submitted, I made certain statements that can at any time be verified in the ; comparison of the state of things existing about 20 years ago and now. I showed that 20 years ago the ruling rate of wages was from 7s to 8s per'day, and the' prices of commodities were considerably higher than now, and.-yet the cry is that the rich are getting , richer and the poor poorer. No, Mr Editor," you must look somewhere' for a reason, : and "the bogey of the high cost of living w'ilf then be exploded. Is it not a fact, Mr Editor, that: what' was considered' a luxury 20 years ago is now looked upon as an actual necessity, and also-is it not a fact.th.at ohr bent' for pleasure has so increased'of late years that our extra remuneration is not ample for all our requirements in this respect, and do you think, Mr Editor,'that if wages went up -another 20, per cent, the : condition of; the masses would be jm ; proved,-taking the 'history of tlie last, say, 20 years as a guide?—l am, etc., A- E. MAILMAN. ■