Social Thoughts Series.

Free Lance, Volume XIV, Issue 724, 16 May 1914, Page 9

Social Thoughts Series.

Two Guinea Prize Essay Competition-Practical Methods "of Reducing the Cost of Living. Suggested Methods from a few of the Unsuccessful Essays. ..';•,

IN announcing the result last week in the No. 3 Prize Essay Competition on Practical Methods of Reducing the Cost of Living, a printer's error was made, causing some confusion. Miss Gabriella Wyndhanvs essay carried off the first prize, as clearly stated, but unfortunately in the headlines it was stated that Mr. Ross Papprill, of Dunedin, had won first honours. The Editor of this Series sympathises with Mr. Pappuill, and trusts he will take consolation in the fact'that he tied for second honours. * * * * The following flashes of thoughts from some of the other essays are interesting: "I know of no attempt to bring about a reduction in the cost of living by the restoration of active competition amongst 'sellers. Most methods to reduce prices have created competition amongst buyers, which makes 'Pat' laugh. Co-opera-tion and muhicipalisation are both combinations placing restrictions on competition ; e.g., it is possible Wellington could be better served by 5 or 6 motorbus proprietors than by' trams." "I suggest: the following remedies: — (1) The payment of all profits made by companies as dividends, except a reserve internal or external equal to the invested (not the registered) capital; (2) no company should be able to hold shares in any other venture; (3) the capital of all companies except those formed for developing natural resources to be limited in amount by. the Registrar of Companies. Companies dealing in the necessaries of life to have.but small capital, say, £10,000." * ,* * * "I am sure a more absurd and evil practice _ never existed, than of allowing monopolists, trusts, and other legalised bands of robbers to increase the cost of the of life whenever they feel inclined to do so. I think I am right in saying that prices are often increased when there is no reason for the increase to the consumer. While monopolies and trusts are allowed, without any restrictions by law, to increase prioes, and so rob the consumer of any benefit received through increased wages, no satisfactory solution for reducing the cost of living can be arrived at." * * # * "It is best to begin reforms at the top, because the highest permeates and controls the lower. I therefore. make my first plank—that the Government and local bodies should exercise economies; let there be na squandering of money or useless things, nor on things that can wait. Let the mandate go forth that, in' Government and local authorities matters, the policy of 'money no object' , must be eliminated.. By thus reducing expenditure, the General Government taxes on necessaries may be remitted, and in the case of local bodies the rates can be lowered." ' ■ * * * * "There is, amongst tradesmen, too anuch of the spirit of making those who pay do so for those who don't. One remedy is to encourage cash trading or .concessions for prompt payment. Tradesmen' must try to get their money in promptly, and so avoid bad debts; and' not lean upon the 'above-mentioned spirit —which undoubtedly for I have

more than once, when I have been in temporary occupation of dwellings, informed a tradesman that I was about to move on, and requested • him to let me have his account by a certain date, and have" been unable to get.his account, and have had to move on leaving his account unpaid, because unrendered." •** * * "Another thing, under the present mode of dealing it is cheaper to book, because in some cases we receive dis-. counts, which we should miss if we paid cash. Let tradesmen alter this custom." "Another economy—masticate your food thoroughly, and you will not eat so much." •'.■'•' "I am inclined to think that innlination has a lot to do with the increased cost of riving, and naturally then with the reduced cost. You will hear one remark that she. only has a bit of washing, and sometimes feels inclined to do it, but then, after all, she gives it out. And the cleaning—oh, well, the woman might as well do that too. Oh, and perhaps she might take home the ironing; and of course the shirts and collars must go to the laundry. Then she seeks the city must have a-tram,"don't feel inclined to walk; must have afternoon tea, don't fel thirsty, but then everyone goes. Was going to try and make a simple blouse; but saw a simpler one in a window—we will not inquire the price she paid. Must get home and cook hubby tea —don't think she'll feel like cooking when she gets in—must buy something ready. And of course there is a side for hubby, too." Several of the competitors. are good enough to suggest subjects for future competitions, and this impels the Editor to issue a general invitation to readers of the Fkee Lanob to recommend subjects for these essays. Preference will be given to those which seem to be most in favour. Let no one feel timid about having a try in these tourneys. There is a fair field, and no favour, and as the "also started" are never named the shyest may enter the lists with confidence. * * * * Readers of the Fkee Lance are invited to compete tor prizes to be* given by the Editor of this social Thoughts Series ior the best and most thoughtful essay on subjects of general interest, to be proposed from time to time. A prize of £2 2s will be given for the best attempt on the subjects suggested. The essay must not contain more than 400 words; must be written on one side of the paper only, and addressed to the Editor of "Social Thoughts Competition," c/o N.Z. Free Lance, 31Panamastreet, Wellington. An entrance fee of Is, together with coupon attached below, must be enclosed. The Editor's decision is final. This Social Thoughts Series Column is sincerely recommended to the thoughtful readers of the Fbee Lanoe, and especially to country readers. The "Thoughts" published will -be on live, up-to-date subjects, and should possess considerable interest for the general body of readers. Whilst the Editor welcomes essays :with a spice of wit, he deprecates burlesque. * * * * are asked to suggest any subject in which they are interested.

The subject of No. 4 Prize Essay will be "Should Bachelors be • Taxed—and How ?" • Entries for this No. 4 series close on Thursday, May 28th/ and the prize essay will be published on Friday, June sth.