A DOMINION HANDBOOK

Evening Post, Volume XCIX, Issue 70, 23 March 1920, Page 8

A DOMINION HANDBOOK

TO THB EDITOR. Sir, —Under the heading, " Handbook on the Dominion of New Zealand," I have receive a handbook, Part 1, issued by the Oversea Settlement Office, Victoria-street, London, and - revised to 30th June, 1919. On page 9, under title " Cost of Living,'' the following appears : : — (a) Average monthly rents prevailing in New Zealand in August, 1918:

(b) Board and lodging can be obtained from about £1 per week upwards. (c) Food. Here follows a list too numerous to mention, but eggs are quoted at Is 6d dozen, butter Is 6d, tea Is lid, etc.

Whether or not these conditions were prevailing in August, 1918, I am unable to say, but what I strongly criticise is the fact 'that in. 1920 this book is still being issued .for the general guidance of persons desiring to settle in is'ew Zealand. Why not let the staff of the Overseas Settlement Office come out here and be made to find houses and living accommodation, not only for the new arrivals, but the present population, and then on their retain to London they may, in their idle moments, find time to rewrite the handbook on the Do ; minion of New Zealand—l am, etc., RASEY.

Town. Booms. Rooms. Rooms. Rooms, s. d. s. d. a. d. s. d. Auckland 8 4 11 3 15 5 17 1C Wgtii. 11 2 14 9 ■ 18 6 23 6 Dhch. 7 9 11 5 15 6 .18 1C Uunedin 7, 6 11 1 14 2 18 S