BEER AND BUTTER

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22795, 22 August 1939, Page 13

BEER AND BUTTER

TO THE' EDITOR •Of THE PRESS. Sir, —Your sub-leader in "The Press’’ this morning was well timed and well chosen. It dealt very precisely with an important aspect of social life. Had it been placed on the racing page more people who should read it would have discovered it. The cost of every essential household commodity has Increased during the last few years at an alarming rate; and it would appear that the maximum is far from having been reached. But this “beer tax” has hit the allimportant sex with resultant loud and prolonged protest. No person ever suffered from malnutrition or distress from the want of beer. This is a luxury If such exists. And yet our workers have held protest meetings over the increase a glass and the deprivation of the privilege of “one on the house.” They are screaming loud and long. I Had to discontinue beer many months ago in order that my wife and family should be provided with the essentials of life. To meet rising costs with a constant salary we have had to deny ourselves many luxuries. Beer went first. The Government of the day had a glorious chance to collect easy revenue and plenty of it had they made the increase Is or Is 6d a gallon, without inflicting hardship on anybody. I suggest that the Government put the workers back into their occupations on Saturday mornings. They would have less time to spend money in the public house and grumble over -stupid, petty, little things like the price of beer. However, .this little matter ” has impressed many that the cost of living has increased,, ■ There is a lot of twaddle being talked these days about social justice, all the best things in life, etc., etc., .and this fuss *and pother about beer gives us a fair idea of its value.—Yours, etc., WHY BUILD A NATION. August 21, 1939.