COST OF LIVING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23145, 17 September 1938, Page 19

COST OF LIVING

, Sir, Jhe letter by Mr. Warburton under the above heading contains some inaccuracies. The cost of living between the years 19. - i5-1938, the years of Labour administration, has increased by l.'Ji per cent, the figures being: 193.5 (837), J9.-S8 (917). Why include the years 19.').'5 and 1934 when Labour was on the Opposition benches? He then makes a statement by saying, "Consequently the workers who got a 10 per cent increase are 10 per cent worse off than they were in 1933."

Why assume that workers received only a 10 per cent advance? 1 know scores of workers who, in 1930, were paid, after long years of faithful service, £2 5s per week, receiving shortly after the advent of Labour £4 10s per week. This is liot a loss of 10 per cent, but a gain of 100 per cent. And 1 will state further that the firms' who made these increases have each year shown a larger turnover and an increase in net profit. Putting aside the bogey of Socialism, we must be fair and admit that Labour rule has benefited a very large majority of our population. Let, us give credit where it is due. Create an atmosphere of goodwill— not animosity. J. G. Harrison.