PROFITEERING.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 August 1919, Page 3

PROFITEERING.

PRIME REMEDY (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT. WELLINGTON, Aug. i 29.

The following memorandum, under date 2oth August, has been addressed by the Prime Minister to the Secretary of the Board of Trade:—

“Since I returned tq New Zealand

little more than a fortnight ago I havheard many complaints about the profiteering that is said to be rampant in New Zealand, I have not, however, been able to get any really definite statement on the subject, but the fact remains that there is great deal* of dissatisfaction with the existing state of affairs. The members of the Board of Trade are, probably, in a better position to understand what is going on than any other three men in New Zealand. I must, therefore request the Board to take advantage of the section of the Act of last year which provides that traders making an unreasonable .profit—comparing the war period and post-war period with the pre-war period—are liable to a fine up to £2OO, or, if a company, up to £2OOO. I know there are many factors in operation which cannot b( dealt with in this Dominion, and I believe that the public overlook the inflation of the currency, which has beer going on for years in every British country, and which was unavoidable under the cireumstances that the British citizens have had to deal with, but I am afraid there is no doubt that profiteering is going on. I therefore ask you to look seriously and earnest ly into the suggestion I have made, and if the Board can find any reliable evidence to go upon, I request the members to have informations 'aid. and bring some cases before the Court, so that wo may ascertain exact ly where we are, and whether addi ttonal legislation is required during the coming session. . (Signed) W. P. MASSEY, Prime Minister.