Candidate Says Labour Would Freeze Prices
When an application was made for a general wage order a Labour government would immediately freeze prices, and after the wage order was made would watch prices for any rises, the Labour Party candidate for Selwyn (Mr T. K. Campbell) told an audience of 20 at Rakaia on Monday evening. Food prices had risen greatly since 1960, in some cases more than 30 per cent, Mr Campbell said. Many cuts of meat had risen by more than 20 per cent, onions and carrots had gone up 50 per cent, and the cost of children’s clothing had also risen significantly. Private hospital fees had also risen steeply, from about £1 12s 2d a day In 1960 to £2 4s 6d a day—a rise of 38 per cent. In addition, patients had to pay for medicine. The National Government had said it had given the people something in social security, but in fact it had not. The rise in wages resulting from wage orders had not covered the increases in prices.
Rates were driving many old persons out of their homes: they had enough to pay their rates and buy food and that was about all. If the Labour Party became the Government it would help pensioners by paying a part of their rates. Similarly when old persons fell ill they suffered under doctors’ fees. The Labour Party would “get around the table” with the medical profession and see what could be done to reduce the charges. The Labour Party had brought in the 40-hour week, but today people had to work overtime to get something extra for their homes. The
Labour Party intended to bring in a decent standard of living. As an area, Selwyn had been let go where industrial development was concerned, Mr Campbell said. Such areas as Rakai had a great future as industrial areas, which would provide work for the young people living in the area.
During its . term of office the National Government had run down overseas funds and borrowed huge sums overseas. .The record earnings of the last six years had been thrown away in importing articles that could be bought only by those who were really wealthy.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31224, 23 November 1966, Page 10
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369Candidate Says Labour Would Freeze Prices Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31224, 23 November 1966, Page 10
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