COST OF LIVING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16025, 17 September 1915, Page 4

COST OF LIVING.

LEGISLATION PROMISED. STATEMENT BY MR. MASSEY. [BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Thursday. ' When making a brief statement about the work of the session this afternoon, the Prime Minister was asked whether he proposed to give the House an opportunity of discussing the cost of living. He replied that they had heard a good deal about the cost of living already this session, and there was a good deal of work yet to be done. One or two members protested.

Mr. Massey then said: As a matter of fact, there will be a Bill coming down this session to deal with the question of the cost of living.

A number of Labour members and members, of the old Government and Opposition parties expressed gratification, and declared that one of the conditions of the agreement to form a National Cabinet was that the new Government should deal with the cost of living. Replying, Mr. Massey said that during the numerous discussions in the House on this subject he had listened patiently, but had failed to hear even one practical suggestion. Mr. Wilford: The National Government is absolutely devoid of ideas. (Laughter.) Mr. Massey said that members would talk freely about such things as fixed maximum prices and a paper money issue, but

Mr. Payne: Britain has issued a hundred millions.

Mr. Massey said that the measure he proposed to introduce would be an amendment and extension of the Commercial Trusts Act.