COST OF LIVING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12085, 14 August 1917, Page 4

COST OF LIVING.

BUDGET ASSAILED. CITY COUNCIL CONDEMNS THfl GOVERNMENT. " Haying regard to the fact thai everything points to a further increase in the cost of living, this council is* of opinion ' that the Government should take over the control of the food supplies of the country." In these terms, the Napier Borough Council, in a circular read in the City Council last night, urged that the local bodies of New Zealand should combine to urge upon the Government the reform of the cost of living problem. Councillor D. G. Sullivan moved that the motion should be endorsed. He said 'that lie had little faith in the Government, but the motion was on right lines. Councillor F. Burgoyne seconded the motion, but remarked that the matter was futile. The people who were squeezing the masses were worse traitors than, the Germans, and although Cabinet would do nothing, members of Parliament could force them out of their position. Councillor H. G. Ell said that Sir Joseph Ward's Budget was really going to 'tax the wealthy, and he knew of one fiim in Christchurch whose income tax would bo increased from £'2ooo to £6OOO. "Councillor J. A. Flesher said that it was useless to go on with the motion, for the Government had declined even to 'take over the liquor question. The Government lacked moral courage, and members were afraid to st-and up to their responsibilities. Councillor E. J. Howard said that he was astounded to hear a Liberal member of Parliament supporting the Budget, which the council in a. year or two would be condemning right and left. Interest would rise and people would be crushed. There was being created in New Zealand an aristocracy which was going to ride on the backs of the men now at the front. The Budget, from a working man's point of view, was one of .'the most dastardly things evi-r done in the country. Councillor Ell said that the only article of common consumption taxed. was tea, and that increase was going ta come off. Councillor Howard said that he looked further than the tea cup. Councillor 11. Hunter said that the Government was providing the exploiters of the people with a means of investing their ill-gotten gains in war bonds free of income tax, and who was going to pay the cost; of the war, and! the interest on the huge loans? If the workers were going to receive less in the future, they mould have to work longer hours for less money. The Budget! was a rank injustice, and he; was surprised at the people taking it so quietly. Councillor A. S. Taylor suggested an amendment that the Government should be urged to take action to reduce the cost of living, and Councillor Sullivan. agreed to withdraw hts motion in its favour. Councillor Taylor, in moving accordingly, said that no Government ha<! ever enjoyed Jess of the people's confidence, from North Cape to Bluff, than the National Government, and there was a tremendous hostile undercurrent of feeling. This was regrettable, because much had been expected! of the National Government, but notf there was a tremendous amount of pent-up feeling. He did not think it would be wise to ask the present Government to take over food supplies* He was inclined to think that thd Budget was all right, and that a huge revenue was going to come out of the right pockets. He could noti follow Councillor Howard's remarks about mortgages. "Never mind.' 1 said Councillor Howard, "you will soon realise) it." Councillor Tnylor criticised the Govs ernmrnt's "lamentable want of courage" in disregarding the Board of Trade and the Efficiency Board. Councillor J. R. Hayward seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.