BOOKSELLERS’ STATUS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 242, 7 July 1921, Page 6

BOOKSELLERS’ STATUS

NEW RETAILERS’ ASSOCIATION COMPLAINTS THAT BUSINESS IS BEING FILCHED Complaint aa to the status of booksellers was made last night at the dinkier tendered to members of the New Zealand Booksellers’ Association by the Wellington Association. In proposing the health of "The Trade," Air. J. M'Naughton said it was one of the best and tnost honourable callings. The time would eoon be at hand when booksellers would scorn to sell trashy literature, but they had to have the support of the public. In supporting Mr. M'Naugliton's views, Mr. P. A. Edmiston (Auckland) said that the trade was not exactly one by which bbmething was constructed., such aa that of a carpenter or a joiner. As sellers bf books, members were really merchants. They required ability above the average In all branches of the calling. "They Bay," remarked the speaker, "that booksellers are born, not made. This has been my experience, I must say. In one establishment in Auckland there are assistants who have been in the 'game* for forty, thirty-eight, eleven, and nine years Respectively. They bear out the expression, for they were bom to the 'game'." Mr. Edmiston referred to the aim of the newly-formed association to raise the status of book-selling. "In Auckland, he said, "I have had parents come to me and say they would like their sons or daughters to start the business because they were ’fond of books. The matter of improving their position rests with the assistants themselves. Time and time again I have given my assistants literary reviews and criticisms to take home with them to read, works that would have helped them considerably in their business. But they did not seem Interestedlf we, as booksellers, don't woke up soon, we shall be out of a job. Business is being filched from us by the draper, the fancy goods shop, the libraries, and, last, but not least, the Government. Some of us there are who look on the matter with indifference; but the time has come when we must protect the interests of our business. And We must move immediately.” In replying to the toast, Mr. Byers (Timaru) referred to the standard of education required by "real" booksellers. Other toasts honoured were "New Zealand Retail Booksellers’ Association proposed by Air. Humphries, seconded by Mr. Either, and "The Visitors." proposed by Mr. South, seconded by Mr. G. H. Bennett. . During the evening musical items were given by Messrs. E. J. Hill, R. Bow, J. fnd N. Aitken. Mr. Bowen was the accompanist.