BAKERS’ COUPON SYSTEM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2080, 4 January 1908, Page 2

BAKERS’ COUPON SYSTEM.

OPINIONS OF HOUSEWIVES

RUBERS OF DOMESTIC SIMIERE OBJECT TO IN NOV AI lON.

‘•3.1 CASH IS ENOUGH FOR A LOAF,” THEY SAY.

With a view to ascertaining how til.- linkers’ ticket proposal was re-L-eiied l>y tho housewives, ami lmu the .scheme worked in practice, a number of ladies were asked by a “Times'” reporter lor their opinions, which are, given below. The first lady approached had about JO or 10 persons to provide tor, and sho can express an opinion Irom long experience. She did not think that tho system would suit her. It was all right, for tho working classes, and, from the bakers’ point of view, ror those who got behind with their accounts, but she had no uso for the system. They came to her about it, and she replied. “Oh, yes, very well, ’ but it was really a great nuisance. Previously she could pay monthly and then get a discount. Possibly when the system was in thorough working order it would, be more understood, and it might be a boon in the end, but she thought that the majority oi pimple would find it a great bother, and it would not last long. A large number pay for bread now as they get it, and it made no difference to diem. Flour had fallen considerably, and it would be far more reasonable if they sold bread at 3d cash and 3-Jd booked, or some similar arrangement; but tho bakers really wanted to get JJd cash and bo free of all bookkeeping and the task of collecting. Of course, the bakers looked at the question from their point of view, and if they were successful they would have a good thing on. The gain was for the baker, not- for tin consumer. If a co-operative bread supply was started, as suggested by a correspondent in yesterday >, “Times,” she would be a large buyer. When the price of flour was reduced the price of bread was not reduced, but if Hour went tip ever so little the excuse was availed of to raise the price. Jf a co-operative concern started she would patronise it on principle, if they produced a good article—and they must do this. The system does not appear to suit the hotels, according to a statement made. The responsible person may not be found at tlio moment, and what would happen then Y Another lady did not think the scheme would work. If she was not inside when tlie baker came, he would not leave the bread, and this was very inconvenient indeed, thu; tying one to the house. She bought a dozen coupons in trying to comply with their wishes, and giving one each time, but if they wanted to do good by the customers they should soil tho bread for 3d for cash. “1 suppose wo will have to get worked into it in time,” she commented, submissively; “hut it means that 1 will always have'to he here or else have

an understanding with the baker.” I’his action was rough on old and reliable customers, she considered. She suggested that it might work better if a weekly instead of a daily coupon were issued, and so many loaves as required could he left daily and tlie coupon collected at tlio end of the week. This would obviate the difficulty of keeping people always at home. One housewife said that she was often out. and if no bread was left she would ho in a fix. Some years ago the bakers gave discount, iii the way of cakes, etc., on payments of at little as 7s (id or 10s, hut things had changed, and now tho bakers wanted tilings more their own wav.

The last lady interviewed did not think there would he any great difficulty in the system if people exercised a little forethought. They would have to- make preparations for it, instead of going along in a happy-go-lucky style. It was not convenient always for people to have the ready cash, ns many were paid monthly, and towards' the end of th’at period they might he ill-supplied with cash. It would be a hardship ir the staff of life was refused in such cases. The system had many advantages and a few disadvantages.