H.— lB.

Chapter Xlll.—Remedies. Question 13: What steps should, be taken with a view to reducing the cost of the necessaries of life ? 1. Improvement of New Zealand statistics: — (a.) That the Government Statistician should have full control of statistics. (b) That his office should form a separate department, (c.) That he should be allowed to travel abroad. (d.) That an advisory board of statistics should be created. (c.) That the more responsible offices should be filled by men who have gone through a recognized course of training in statistical methods and economics. (/.) That the Government should offer a scholarship for post-graduate research in social economics. 2. Supply of money outstripping trade: The Commission has no recommendation to make at this stage, further than to advise that steps should be taken to secure the representation of New Zealand on the proposed International Commission on the Cost of Living. 3. Education :— (a.) The inclusion in the primary- school syllabus of a definite course of simple descriptive economics and the development of a more systematic course in the secondary schools. (b.) The extension of education in domestic economy. (c.) The formulation of a complete scheme of agricultural education. (d.) The endowment of research scholarships in agriculture. (c.) The extension of the present system of technical education. (/.) That those who have passed through a definite course of technical education should receive special consideration in wages rates, &c. (g.) That a closer connection should be established between the administrative side of government and the political science and economic departments of the University. (h.) That no effort should be spared to improve the education of the people. (i.) That steps be taken to secure expert advice for parents in choosing avocations for their children. 4. Additional provisions suggested for the Commercial Trusts Act. 5. Board of Industrial and Social Investigation: That a permanent Board of industrial and Social Investigation should be set up with full powers to call for persons and papers. Several of its functions are defined in the Report. 6. Customs tariff and protection : — (a.) Abolition of the duty on all foodstuffs and on the necessaries of life used by the primary producers. (b.) Failing this, the reduction of certain duties and the abolition of others are recommended, (c.) That all imported and locally made boots containing composition or cardboard should be branded " composition " or " cardboard." (d.) That duties on boots, shoes, and slippers, if retained, should be amended, a uniform ad valorem tariff to be substituted for the present one. 7. Land and rent: — (a.) That such a land policy is required as will break down landmonopoly in town and. country; a system of taxation of land values is suggested. (See reservations of four Commissioners.) (b.) (i.) The provision of small holdings ; (ii.) the extension of village settlements. c.) That the workers-home scheme should be extended.

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