Concern at ‘inequality’

Press, 6 July 1977, Page 16

Concern at ‘inequality’

Indignation was expressed at the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers conference in Christchurch last week about the “inequality” of rural families who had to pay more for basic foods, such as milk and bread, than urban dwellers.

Rural populations should not have to bear the cost of transport both from the farm and back again, said the Nelson delegate, successfully moving the provincial’s remit seeking standardisation of prices for bread and milk as for butter and petrol.

Two social welfare remits were carried. Central Otago sought extra financial aid for families caring for a handicapped child, and Golden Bay had its remit seeking continuance of a blind women’s benefit after marriage amended to include all disabled persons when the husband’s wage did not exceed $lOO a week.

Nelson won support for its call for manufacturers to produce only brightly coloured rainwear for all children, for which the W.D.F.F. would encourage parental demand, and Mid-Canterbury’s remit on fire safety for split level and two-storey houses was also passed.