PRICE FIXING INQUIRY

Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1927, Page 3

PRICE FIXING INQUIRY

[t!Y TELEGRAPH —FEB PRESS ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON. Feb. 21. The tribunal appointed by the Government to inquire into the proposed operations of the Proprietary Articles Trade Association (P.A.T.A.) the objectof which is t-> fix the prices at which certain Articles in common use may be sold, commenced its sittings this morning. The committee consists of Messrs li. Montgomery (e.x-C'oinptroller of Customs). W. R. Hayward (manufacturer. of Dunedin). M. J. Reardon (ex-Workers’ Representative of the Arbitration Court) and .1. \Y. Collins (Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce). After a preliminary address by the Minister of Industries ind Commerce (Hon. Mr McLeod) the Committee discussed matters preliminary to the hearing of evidence, which was proceeded with later. 11l bis address. Mr Mc Leod said that the G'ovcrnmenl. had laid down a policy of imn-intcrfcrcnce in business. However, the Government, which was concerned with the welfare of all sections of the community would he obliged to interfere in matters where it appeared that the business methods ot one section of the community were detrimentally affecting other sections. It lmd been reported to the Government that it was considered tho P.A.T.A.’s operations would he detrimental to certain sections of the community. His Department was not in the position to judge the truth or otherwise of the assertions made ngainst the Association and conseouently the Tribunal had been si-t up. Tho Department had advised those who were associated with the early formation of the Association that it would probably be necessary to procure evidence on oertnin points which were being raised, and they bad complied with tlie suggestion that no move should be made for the registration of Ihe Association, pending the inquiry. The Association had pointed out that it bad agreed not. to proceed until the investigation took place. “All the Government desires, ’’ said Mr McLeod, “is a thorough investigation as far as you deem it wise to go. The Government makes no suggestions to volt in .ntv wav as'to what coutse you .should follow. The Board of Trade \cb < r ives vou tho norossary power 4? to report impartiallv to tho Government the various findings you may arrive tit, according to the evidence submitted. In conclusion tbo Minister said that in view of the possibility of legislation beitm- necessary next session to give e! feet "to the findings of the Committee, ho would like to have their report as soon as possible. The Minister then withdrew.

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