CONSUMERS’ LEAGUE

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23803, 24 November 1942, Page 5

CONSUMERS’ LEAGUE

p MORE SUGAR WANTED FOR JAM-MAKING PRICES OF VEGETABLES AND FRUIT A meeting called in Christchurch last evening by the Consumers’ League, and largely attended by housewives, was of opinion that the increased ration of sugar of 31b a person monthly was inadequate, and the meeting called upon the Government to double it.’ It was also held that zoning of the character now in force was in flat contradiction of its stated purpose—the saving of petrol and tyres. As to milk, it was stated, no suggestion had been made that the sayings made would benefit consumers, or that infant welfare health would be safeguarded. Neither had reasonable proposals been made for a return to producers likely to ensure an adequate winter supply. The meeting approved the request of the Consumers’ League that all funds derived from war-risk insurance should be kept intact and separately accounted for by the Government, and, in the event of no war damage occurring they should go to a special fund for maimed soldiers and the building of hostels in all centres where necessary. It was considered that the operations of the Internal Marketing Division had proved a failure from the consumers’ point of view. Although prices paid to apple growers were approximately 5s Id a case, the public had to pay record retail prices. Also, citrus prices under import control had ihcreased beyond the ability of the worker to purchase. The meeting, therefore, urged ‘‘that the Government should end the monopoly of these fruits, also the creation of a monopoly in eggs.” ‘‘ln a land of plenty, such as New Zealand,” said Mrs W. B. Crowley, “there is ho reason for the high prices prevailing for fruit and vegetables, especially when we know that the producers do not share in these increases." Oranges, Mrs Crowley declared, had been kept in cool storage, until they were no longer fit to eat. It was realised that vegetables were required for the troops; but market gardeners were short-planting because they could not get labour. Yet the State markets were increasing areas under cultivation, and could get men to work them. , “I feel most concerned regarding the health of the children,” Mrs Crowley said. “They are the greatest asset any country can possess. You can all understand the anxiety of a mother when she knows what her children should have to eat, and cannot get it for them.” This speaker commented on the quality of milk available in Christchurch, and said that she believed there would be an egg shortage. “I understand that eggs have already gone up 4d a dozen,” she said. Price of Fish “Our seas are full of fish,” said Cr. Mary McLean, “yet it is impossible for people on ordinary wages to provide fish once a week for their children, or an adequate supply of vegetables for that matter. It is up to us to see that sufficient foodstuffs are produced in this country at a reasonable price for every boy and girl." There was an increasing tendency on the part of the Government to govern by orders-in-council or rush legislation, said Mr J. K. Moloney, and this had resulted in a great deal of injustice. The Government had a large majority, and there was no longer an effective Opposition. Shackled Press “One of the finest assets that a small country can possess is the freedom of the press,” Mr said. “To-day

we find our press gagged and shackled. The Prime Minister has such dictatorial powers that he can keep out of the press the things that the people should know. It is the duty of everyone to insist that the liberty of our newspapers should be given back to us!” (Applause.) Zoning, in the opinion of the chairman (Mr L. Rollings) was directing trade into monopolistic channels, and there was a real danger facing the political and economic liberty of the people. “Young girls are being redrafted to other centres,” he said. “That is not fair either to them or their parents. Such a step should not be undertaken unless it is absolutely unavoidable, and I say that this situation has not arisen yet.” (Applause.) As an example of the tendency towards control of trade, Mr Rollings said that whereas there were 75 bakers in Christchurch a quarter of 9 century ago, there were now—in -spite of a marked increase in population—only 10. /