BEER BOYCOTT STILL GOING STRONG

Chronicle (Levin), 7 October 1947, Page 5

BEER BOYCOTT STILL GOING STRONG

GEEyirOUTH, Oct. f). The heer hovcott on the Coast extendcd tonight to Kumara where a meeting of timber workers who represent the majority of workers of the township, decided to adopt the recommemlation of Ihe trades council not to patronise hotels charging 7d a glasfi. However, all the hotels in Kumara today were supplving beer at fid despite the reported vjsit of the Greymouth licensed victuallers on Saturday in an endeavour to enlist their sympathy. The hau is not yet operative in Hokitika but a meeting of workers is to be held tliere on Wednesdav. Greymouth, railwav iiicn tomorrow are eonsidering action at meetings. fhe most interesting development in the hotels i.s the ' introduction of the Auckland custom of selling bottles for 2s over the counter and allowing consumption on the premises. The trades 'ouncil, however, explains that the boycott applies to all hotels where the charge is made of 7d a glass. Hotels Jost heavily at the weekend where the fortnightly pav of workers in the mining towns produeed no trade vvhile Greymouth hotels, with a mueh higher overhead, tilso experienced a lean time. It is understood the price controls order fixing 7d for 12oz applies only to the four main centres. There is no indication from either side that the deadloek ean be resolved, many hoteJ patrons contenting themselves with other entertainment.