THE COST OF LIVING

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22003, 29 January 1937, Page 8

THE COST OF LIVING

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS.

Sir, —I was reading the statement made by the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, that the workers have benefited by the Government policy of increased wages. Well, I disagree with him. I and a good many more are worse off. I had to join the union, prices are going up, and still no cut restored. A few months ago the Prime Minister stated that all wages had to go back to the 1931 level. When one makes enquiries the Labour Department say that if one is getting • over the award rate it cannot do anything. Well the award rate for dressmakers is only a very poor living wage. The new rates have only benefited the juniors, and the seniors, who have to assist them get nothing extra, only a great deal more worry. I was far better off before we had a union than I am at the present time. I hold a more responsible position now, and get less wages. So where the' benefit comes in I fail to see. A number of others and myself will never vote Labour again.—Yours, etc., WORKER. January 27, 1937.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PItESS.

Sir, —I am quite in agreement with "Old Worker's" opinion that the Hon.

D. G. Sullivan's statement about the cost of living having gone up only 3.3 per cent, is all bunkum. I have within the last six months taken particular note of the rises in prices of groceries, meat, and bread, etc. Also, costs of keeping a house in repair have gone up. There are in all cities I am sure—probably in the country, too—many elderly-women, many of them single, who have worked hard in their younger days and denied themselves luxuries and pleasures in order to be independent when they could no longer work. They provided themselves with what they considered at the time would be a sufficient income for the purpose. Both the former Government and the present one have so caused interests to be reduced that the incomes of many of the class above referred to have become a mere pittance and their valued independence is greatly threatened, I, personally, know of many of these women in Christchurch who are obliged to live in one room on less than £1 a week. I should like to see one of our women's Organisations, such as the National Council of Women, taken this matter up.—Yours, etc INDEPENDENT. January 27, 1937.