THE NEW POOR.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 265, 7 November 1919, Page 5

THE NEW POOR.

MIDDLE-CLASS CLAIMS. REDUCED PRICES AND RENTS. LONDON, Octouer 25. Representatives of the middle-class mid salaried workers met in conference in London to-day, Lord Burnham presiding, to formulate claims for the reduction of the Income Tax, and to discuss high railway fares, and the phenomenal increase in house rents.

It was pointed out that the Government only considers the needs of the manual workers, ignoring the "new poor," who were dependent ou fixed salaries, the purchasing value of which had

dwindled to real poverty point.

Numerous letters and articles in the Press declare that thousands of frugal, capable members of the.middle class are unable to maintain an ordinary standard of comfort. Their income in many instances ie far below the wages of skilled artisans and miners. Mr. Alexander Thompson (well-known Labour writer), in an article in the "Daily Mail," shows that the great increase in costs in London is largely due to the extravagance of classes which grew rich during the war. The lavish, I vulgar expenditure outbids the poorer I classes, and encourages exactions by I caterers and shopkeepers.