COST OF LIVING.

Evening Star, Issue 25593, 20 September 1945, Page 6

COST OF LIVING.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,-—'" Pensioner's " figures have no effect on me. I go by my purse, and my worst enemy could not accuse me of extravagance. He talks of "stabilisation." What a mockery! Although I have the same amount of money with which to pay my way, the Dunedin cake shops suddenly, a few weeks ago. added 25 per cent, to their prices. Is this what he means by stabilisation? The inhabitants of an

Otago country town could teach the Labour Government a good and sound lesson regarding stabilisation. The bakers of that town (about 40 years ago) decided from a certain Monday morning to raise the price of their bread. They went out as usual that morning with full carts, and returned in the evening with carts just as full. Of course, they decided that the rise -was not absolutely necessary. "Pensioner " praises the .Government for giving pensions to men at the same age that they were granted! to women. More shame on it, and more shame on the men who take the pension as soon as a woman. Most men of 60 consider themselves at least 10 years younger than a woman of 60. They will not marry a woman of 60. From evidences about me, I strongly suspect some of these hale and hearty men of, 60 and over of just coining money while they take the pension. A man can charge £1 to £2 a day for his work, whereas a woman pensioner would be expected to work a whole week for that money. "Pensioner" talks of savings. 1 always understood the Labour Government condemned savings. I don't condemn saving, but I cannot save with ihe frightful charges put on everything. was a great cry about _the wearing of second-handl clothes under the last Government during the depression. The second-hand shops are still flourishing. 1 will admit that the present Government has prevented a rise in the price of property. But why pick on one thing only? Is this fair?—l am, etc., Another New Zealand-born. September 19.