S.M. To Hear Trade Commission Cases

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31007, 12 March 1966, Page 3

S.M. To Hear Trade Commission Cases

(Seto Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Mar. 11.

The Wanganui Stipendiary Magistrate (Mr B. S. Barry) has been appointed temporary chairman of the Trade Practices and Prices Commission. The Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Marshall) said today that Mr Barry had agreed to act as chairman for two or three cases which the examiner of trade practices and prices had recently reported and which were now awaiting hearing. A permanent appointment to the chairmanship would be made later, Mr Marshall said. The former chairman of the commission (Mr S. T. Barnett) resigned.

Explaining the reason for Mr Barnett’s resignation, Mr Marshall said the Trade Practices Act had been amended in 1964 so that a separate chairman could be appointed to the commission.

Mr Marshall said until the amendment the original provision was for the president of the Price Tribunal to be [chairman of the commission automatically. “For almost seven years Mr Barnett has served in this dual capacity, and now, in view of his other commitments, he has asked to be released from the chairmanship of the commission,” he said.