THRIFT.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 132, 5 June 1926, Page 14

THRIFT.

(To tbe Editor.) Sir, —I noticed a letter in the "Star" of the 22nd ulto., written by a correspondent signing himself "Thrift." Being one of those despised beings—a worker's wife —I feel this extraordinary letter calls for a reply. "Thrift" suggests us thriving on a cheap substitute for butter, and living three or four families in one house. lam a farmer's daughter, and I should say that to use less butter or a substitute would be going against the farmers instead of helping them to feather their nests, as they have hitherto, at the expense of the workers. I use three to four pound of butter a week for my husband, myself and three children. I would use more if the necessity arose. Why should we be deprived of this— the main luxury of our country? My kiddies' satisfied little smiling faces mean more tq mc than £o of worldly wealth gained at their expense. As for living in apartments let "Thrift" try it. If the children have a romp after" tea there is a banging at the wall or some stinging remark made loud enough for all to hear. If you want to dry your clothes yoo will find someone else has had theirs out before you. There are a hundred and one reasons against it. As for the notorious extravagance of the workers, for w]iir>h the poor farmer has had to pay. while I couldn't possibly keep a family of four and a servant on 21b of butter a week, I think if "Thrift" took over the financing of mine. and. indeed the biggest majority of workers' homes, he would find it was too intricate a piece of strategy to continue long at it. It take?: mc (ill my time to make ends meet, and my heart goes out to those unfortunate people who have to live these days with their husbands doincr nothing.-—-T am. etc.. A CAREFUL" HOUSEWIFE.