"Poor Unfortunates"

Levin Daily Chronicle, 11 April 1918, Page 1

"Poor Unfortunates"

FIRE SUTFEREKS' DISABILITY.

PRICE OP GRASS SEED INCREASED

While a patriotic scction of tho community have been collecting cash and clothes for the unfortunate sufferers in tho recent bush fires, some merchants have displayed their acumen by seizing the opportunity to increase the price of grass seed.

"The poor unfortunates will have to pay, and they are very sore over it," said Mr T. B. Williams, at the meeting of the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce on Monday night. '' The price of grass seed has been going up by leaps and bounds. Seed that could be bought ten days ago at Is 4d to Is 5d a pound is now being sold at Is Hid."

Mr A. Harris said he understood from the Minister of Lands that the South Island merchants had advanced the price of cocksfoot seed by 2d per pound, and that he had authorised the local merchants to sell at Is lid. The speaker understood that the Minister would look into the matter, and if the South Island merchants were compelled to refund the "rise," a refund would also be made by tho other merchants.

Mr T. B. Williams said the Gazette notice fixing the price of grass seed was too late. The price should have been the price fourteen days or three weeks before the fire. Merchants should not be allowed to take advantage of the proclamation.

Mr Harris said the actions of the Minister of Lands would be the proof of his zeal in dealing with the question.—'' Chronicle.''