COST OF LIVING IN AMERICA

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25566, 6 August 1948, Page 9

COST OF LIVING IN AMERICA

COMMENT BY ROTARY GOVERNOR (P.A.) AUCKLAND, August 5. The cost of living in the United States had never been higher than it was to-day, said Mr W. Calder Mackay, who returned to Auckland by air from the annual convention at Rio de Janeiro of Rotary International. During his four months’ absence, Mr Mackay spent 10 weeks in the United States. Production in America in all lines was rapidly overtaking the demand, he saifi. One example of this was motor tyres, which were everywhere in plentiful supply at bargain prices. When he first arrived in the United States in April, war talk was prevalent. When he returned after the convention, however, it had died down considerably. The reason for this was the great interest being taken in the Presidential campaign. Odds of 20 to one were being laid in favour of the Republican candidate (Mr T. E. Dewey). People in America seemed very optimistic about a peaceful solution of the Berlin crisis. The general opinion was that Russia was bluffing and that she did not want war. During the convention at Rio de Janeiro. Mr Mackay was elected governor of the fifty-second district. As District Governor, he will visit 34 Rotary Clubs in New Zealand and the Rotary Clubs in Suva and Fiji.