THE LABOUR PARTY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22832, 17 March 1936, Page 5

THE LABOUR PARTY

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The last letter by “ Citizen ” leaves me very little to reply to or which I can take exception to. Nevertheless, there are one or two statements which, unless replied to, will set some wondering. •‘Citizen" says: “It is the manifest duty of all Governments to improve the v, cl fare of the masses, and not to allow them to be exploited by a privileged class. .1 cannot recollect any case in history where a workers’ Government extended its popularity by raising the price of bread, or any other prime necessity of life for that matter. Would it not be more desirable to establish a system of Stateowned, centralised bakeries, to give the people better bread, for the lowest price ever known in New Zealand? ” Relative to this matter. I can only say that some bakers were selling bread at a figure which did not allow for a decent wage and conditions to be obtained. I*or two years prior to October 1. 19.35, there was no award operating in Dunedin. Attempts were made to get an award, but, owing to tiio cutting, etc., by some of the firms, the employers claimed they bad no guarantee of stability of price, and refused to sign up on the workers’ claims, and offered ridiculously low wages and conditions. Things were getting worse, and at last au agreement was reached —not one which. 1 believe, now would have been agreed to by the workers. Still, we knew even what we got could be enforced. Then the Government fixed a price for flour and bread. I may state that I niade certain recommendations to the Minister, and this morning I received the following letter:—“l have to acknowledge your letter relative to increases in the price of flour. I thank you for bringing this before me. While the scheme has been definitely accepted with satisfaction throughout the Dominion, there are a number of details in relation to this scheme which will have to be finalised and adjusted, and the points raised and others arc to be considered.” With a stabilised price the employers would, readily sign up on terms in keeping, with the price. Then, as the now legislation contemplates reviewing awards at six-monthly periods, this will enable Otago and Southland to have their award reviewed shortly. As to State bakeries, etc., well, I think we can leave, that just now. . Then “Citizen” says: “Likewise the high exchange rate is not in the interests of the masses, but is making the cost of living much higher than it would otherwise be.” I might state here it was not the Labour Party that instituted this piece of legislation, and to charge the Labour Government with it is hardly cricket,” if that is what ‘ Citizen moans; or, if lie means to infer that tins should be dealt with before Parliament meets, I do not know much about procedure. but 1 should think this should come before and be dealt with when Parliament assembles. Then “ Citizen says; " It is the duty of a Government to load, not to follow its citizens.” I djd no t s! i V or infer otherwise. What I did say was “that no political party can go very much ahead of those who support it. It is. I suppose, arguable how far or whose opinions we should follow on this aspec . Perhaps when we get up steam ami set the engine going even “ Citizen ma ? come to change his views somewhat. 1 am, etc., P- Neilsoh. March 16. TO THE EDITOR. Sin, —Your correspondent “ Citizen " is really sincere and honest in his Principles and arguments. The only thing is that it Labour followed bis rules it would never be in power. Possession is nine points of the law. — I am, etc., M. the Mouse. March 16.