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Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 118, 12 February 1919, Page 10

One particular of' distribution about which the smaller retailer may be anxious is that of order of supply from the factory, the suggestion being that the big retail house may be more promptly supplied than the smaller man, who will thus be robbed of part of his just sham of business. That matter, eaid Mr. Ward, would be kept in view in connection with any fixing of the dates on which goods would be saleable. .After the beginning the difficulty would to a large extent disappear, since tho manufacturer of standard lines, with a steady market assured, would be able to carry larger warehouse stocks, and bo be in a position to fill orders immediately. In tho same way, the retailer who could replenish his standard stocks at will would not be tso keen on ordering a non-standard pattern for which he might have to wait three or four months. • ' ' • ■ * Mr. Ward was questioned as to the effect of the offer of ■ the Woolston Tanneries, Ltd., to guarantee the supply nt a fixed price, of sufficient leather to make 75,000 pairs of standard boots. "If," was the reply, "that offer is accepted by the Board of Trade, it will ensure a sufficient supply of material to meet the requirements '' of the standardisation scheme for a considerable time to come. As only a portion nf the footwear will be immediately affected by tho scheme, sufficient material at a fixed price for the manufacture of 55,000 paii-s would enable the manufacturers to carry on while the Board of Trade is arranging with the Tanneries''.issociation for future supplies. If other tanners de.?ire to make a similar offer, flicve can he no doubt that, the Board of Trade will bo willing to receive it." Concluding, the Government said that the object was not to interfere with the ordinary channels of trade. The wsence of competition wuild still remain, for there would be p. distinc-tiveness about each manufacturer's prticle, even of the eanie standard line, and purchasers might quite nossibly prefer one brand of standard boot' to another. The . Rchpme was going'to be almost ae'ureat a. benefit to the manufaol-nrer and-the retailer as to the public. The grent aim was to secure the maximum of efficiency and economy without interfering with the ordinary channels of trade. J ■