THE MARKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1928, Page 4

THE MARKET.

Although the market as a centre ol distribution has existed for more than a thousand years, during the larger part of which period there were few good roads and transport was exceedingly slow, the need for markets becomes not less, but greater. For the main purpose of a market, which is to ensure fair dealing and to stabilise prices, thereby creating confidence alike in buyer and seller, remains unaltered. The market, in fact, is an integral part of that marvellous organisation by means of which produce from the remotest regions of the earth is brought to the door of the purchaser. It has sometimes been urged with regard to retail markets, that the market trader, who is able to charge lower prices than the shopkeeper, gains an unfair advantage over the ordinary retailer. Conversely, it is argued that the shopkeeper includes in ids price delivery of the goods and that in default of the market, much perishable stuff would be wasted. It may also be argued that the prices ruling in the local market afford a valuable check upon the prices charged by the retailer of foodstuffs.—The “Morning Post.”