THE CASH SYSTEM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2163, 11 April 1908, Page 3

THE CASH SYSTEM.

MASTEII BAKER'S

DIVIDED OPINIONS

(Press Association.) AUCKLAND, April 10. A leading -member of the Auckland Master 'Bakers’ Association, chatting with a Star reporter, said he did not believe that any change from' the 'Present course of procedure would be advantageous. “There- is,” lie added, “a very divided-opinion on the subject, and a strong feeling is held by many that the cash system would not work in Auckland. There are 02 master bakers in the city and suburbs, and it is urged that while a cash or coupon trace may work all right in a place like Gisborne, where there are only half a dozen bakers, it is questionable if the same unanimity would prevail in Auckland amongst so many. To make a success of the cash business it would be tnecessary for all those connected with the trade to remain steadfast to the principle and give absolutely no credit. Then again,” added the master baker in question, “even under the proposed innovation it is doubtful, .if people were anxious to get credit, that they would be brought any nearer the mark than at present. I am sceptical as to its efficacy. The majority of our monthly customers are more satisfactory ■and less bother than, if they were working under a cash system. Asked his oninion on the proposal emanating from the Dunedin Master Bakers’ Association in favor of the Government fixing the price of bread, tlie master baker m question was emphatic in bis disapproval of their suggestions. “Such a course would never bo tolerated m Auckland ” he said: “men who know nothing of the trade or of the conditions under which we work cannot, possibly arrive at a fair and equi table conclusion, and the proposal will moot with the very strongest antagonism from the Auckland members of the trade.” . . , ~ Asked how the provision of the new Pure Foods Bill applied to the bread trade another baker replied that the Association had spent a verv considerable amount of time m discussing the regulations, over which there was a very strong feeling. At any time of the day_ carters were liable to be hauled up m the street, and an examination of tho bread made. An «o shortage in a loaf meant n -P9O fine To provide against tlio chancis of loss inVeigW by «ap°ra--Hati linkers are compelled under xno nZ Act to turn out a 41b loaf weighing 41b Boz. The same r itio applied dolmaller loaves. To a firm i turning out 8000 loaves a week tins means a very considerable item, • and the 'bakers look upon the “safety margin” as altogether out of tho questl°n' HASTINGS, April 10. The bakers’ coupon or cish system meets with strong public disapproval, owin" to the bakers demanding Fotiri pence cash from customers who decline to use the coupons, winch are sold at -3s 6d tho dozen. Much correspondence lias appeared in the total nressi and last night a largelyattended meeting unanimously resolved that the meeting favor cash as against credit wherever practicable, yet considers the purchasing power of cash should equal that of coupons, also that baker 3 should accent each other’s coupons. The meeting also discussed the price of coal, and resolved to urge the Government to establish a State depot at Hastings, the price being 11s 6d a quarter ton, as against, 7s.fid in Wellington. WELLINGTON, April 10. The master bakers inaugurate the coupon system on May 4. Not less : than a dozen coupons are to be sold to any one person. These cost 3s 4d cr A discount of twopence on the do-

z.on loaves. Those paying cash on delivery will be charged 3J for tho 21b leaf. Public institutions and shipping are exempted. WOOD AND GOAL DEALERS. Press Association. BLENHEIM, April 10. All the coni and wood dealers of Blenheim, numbering eight, have agreed to adopt tlio cash system on and after this date in respect to all wood orders and coal orders made under a ton. '