DIFFICULT YEAR

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 70, 24 March 1933, Page 9

DIFFICULT YEAR

GROCERY TRADE

ANNUAL MEETING

Reference to difficulties being experienced by the trade was made in the report of the Wellington Grocers' Industrial Union of Employers presented at the annual meeting held this week.

"The past year has been a still more difficult one from a trading point of view than any previously experienced," tho report stated. "Although the year has been a very try-' ing one, the executive is of th« opinion that there are lessons to ba learned from periods of adversity. Our experience has shown the need for a reduction in overhead costs as much as possible, particularly in the giving ofcredit •which, results in a lot of loss through bad debts. It would bo a great benefit to all concerned if business could be brought down to a cash basis. "Price cutting is a subject that has been dealt'with from so many angles that it is strange that its great injury to the community is, not more Tecognised. -. . . Although the average manufacturer does not wish his product to be cut, he tries to sell all he can to the cutter, and this is where we could do a great deal more than we do, if we were more united, standing solidly together, seeking to help one another and in so doing raise the trade to a higher level. The only alternative is -to meet the competition and cut out all gervi.ee and credit facilities." . •

The chairman (Mr. A. L. Brown) moved the adoption of the report' and balance-sheet. The motion was carried.

, On behalf of the members of the union, the chairman presented Mr. J. E. Burley with ■ a gold pendant to commemorate his services to the trade as president of the New Zealand Master Grocers' Federation. Messrs. H. J. Arnold, D. Mouat, and R. Janson supported the chairman's complimentary remarks.

Mr. Eurley suitably returned thanks. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted:—President, Mr. A. L. Brown; vice-president, Mr. JI. J. Barley; executive, Messrs. IE J. Arnold, R. Janson, \V. A. Trail J R. Burley, J. A. Logan, I. B. Grainger, K_. Watchman; hon. auditor, Mr. D. Mouat; hon. treasurer, Mr. S. Plantsecretary, Mr. H. J. Scott. '