Itinerant Traders

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 193, 1 September 1937, Page 3

Itinerant Traders

"NEVER

AGAIN."

Sir, — This is the time of year when householders are usually visited by certain "gentry of the road" presenting their wares — marvelious polishes and cleansing commodities, ete., guaranteed to be the best ever. And it is not without a feeling of vindictiveness towards these particular individuals by one, who is, perhaps, more than usually sensitive to an appealing story, that I am anxious to air my grievance in the hope that by so doing other women should be made wary. There is at the present time an mdividual canvassing the town with a certain alleged floor polish which, when applied, is guaranteed to "stay just so" for a whole six months, without any further application. And this is only one of its many outstanding qualities — all for 4/6 per bottle. To further enhance the ,possibility of a sale, this delightful "sale suppliant" offers to polish. — -and afterwards scrub — a floor, and so demonstrate such a remarkable phenomenon. Now, I aslc you, Sir, who woaldn't succumb to such suasion, and why allow the poor man to sufEer the indignity of polishing, unrewarded, your floor? In this way I made him a present of my four shillings and sixpence — a present it was, for I haven't anything of value in return; needless to say, the stuff is all "moonshine" and worthless rubbish. But, of course, I haven't the illusion that I aih alone in suffering an experience of this natare. What surprises me is why such rogues — usually itinerants — are permitted to operate in the town, sometimes nion of pleasing personality and impressive eloquence, and sometimes patketie specimens witli sad tales, but all representing some unique discoverv. Since, however, they are allowed to perambulate their wares, tlien it seems to me that the only way to check their operations is for Avomeu victims to warn others of their presenco in the town and the product-s they carry. The ''pen" is not always mightier than the sword. as every woman Knows and so I would suggest that she circulate in every means in hcr poiver whenever she finds herself the victim of such a marauder. Let us all tolophone — and in other ways get into communication with — our xriends and neighboujrs when we discover a prowlmg cheat in our midst; is it not equivaient to a burglary or a daylight robberyi Well then, let us act, and immcdiately we are first conscioas of tho fraud — teiephone, tell passing acquaintances; do everything possible to prevent further victimisation. Would that we could broadcast and let the public know of such cheating peregrinators, and thus rid the town of the rogue and prevent the possibility of his return.— Yours. etc..

Hastings, August 30, 1937.