LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 813, 10 May 1910, Page 5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

the price of tobacco.

S' r > —with the hopo that you can find space for these few lines, I would like to say something about the action of tho merchants re tobacco, etc. I "®ticed in an article in your issue of the 2nd their explanation on tho subject. Now, they talk about the cut prices. I don't notico many of tho nouses closing up on account of the small profits, and other centres are not making any difference re prices, and if Auckland and Christchurch are satisfied without tho unjustifiable increase, why not Wellington P And they don't say anything about a fair margin of profit on fancy goods, etc. I know of instances where 200 per cent, profit is mado, and 40, 50, and 100 per cent, is a common percentage. One works in with another, and gives them a fair margin all round —quite sufficient to allow them to build beautiful bi buildings on the most" valuable sites in the city, and in some cases to allow tho exmanagers to retire on pension. Meanwhilo the poor retailers are still plodding along, paying rent, and lucky to meet his engagements and pay 20s. in the £, with the Chinaman, grocer, fruiterer, confectioner, and publican to contend with, and all selling after 8 o'clock, when the legitimate tobacconist •has to close his doors, buying at the increased prices, and selling at the old prices. The retailer makes 20 per cent. «n tobacco and cigarettes. I think it is time the reta.ilers formed themselves into a body and appointed a distributing agent, and imported their tobacco and cigarettes and ignored the wholesaler; and it is time some of our politicians formulated legislation to prevent anyone refusing to supply any warehouse in Wellington not selling at tho increased rate. Hoping .that this bullet will find its billet, and thanking you for your valued space.—l am, etc., ■ G. H. PRICE, Retailer.