GOVERNMENT OFFER TO SHARE COSTS

Chronicle (Levin), 1 November 1946, Page 7

GOVERNMENT OFFER TO SHARE COSTS

-Press Associalion

By Telearavh-

WELLINGTON, Oct. 31. In a furtlicr cil'ort to obtain tlic rcinstatument of houseliold deliveries of bread, llie JMinister of 'I'rausport, Ilon. J. O'liricn, has couferred with tlio pres ident of tlie Mastor Bakcrs' Federation, Mr. F. W. Croswell, and Mr. 11. E. Faircy, a member of the executive of the Federation. Mr. O 'Brien told the bakers' representatives that he considered houseliold deliveries should be resumed and tliat if, after a period of trial, it was found there were lossos that should not legitimately be borne by the bakers, the Government would be prepared to meet thoso losses.

Mr. O 'Brien said today that Mr. Cres weil and Mr. Fairey had explained that tliey were not ontitled to speak for the bakers of New Zealand on the ruatter. They knew the bakers had gone vcry thoroughly into the question but they intimated that the Price Tribunal oiler of a penny a loaf for delivery was wliolely inadequate even if bakers had the motor vehicles and inanpowcr. They had pointed out, said Mr. O 'Brien, that most vehicles now being used for wlioleeale deliveries were several years old and could not stand up to the running entailed iu houseliold deliveries. They had further stated that the zoning of deliveries, too, was being investigated and it was felt that in that matter the bakers would require souic i>rotection in order to make deliveries efl'ective and give consumers a fair choice of dilferent makes of bread. Mr. O 'Brien said tliat, after considerable discussion, he had informed the bakers' representatives that he thought j deliveries should start as early as possible and made the offer of compensation previously mentioned.