THE COUPON SYSTEM.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 396, 31 March 1908, Page 2

THE COUPON SYSTEM.

[to the editor.] Sir, —ln Saturday’s issue of your valuable paper, I notice a paragraph from the Wellington Post, referring to the bakers’ coupon system, showing the great gain they will receive by getting cash on delivery, or before, as the man who delivers the bread will carry coupons for change, which means that the householder must pay in advance. Does the working man get paid in advance? Not much ! Then where does he benefit ? If the baker is to get cash on delivery, or in advance, thereby escaping all bad debts, he should be prepared to lower the price of bread. Am I right, Mr Editor ? I should like your opinion in to-day’s issue.—l am etc,, Toiler. Foxton, March 31st, 1908. [Our correspondent’s argument is that it the consumer pays in advance for his bread, the baker should be prepared to make a reduction on the old price, seeing that no bad debts are incurred. That is to say, if the baker could afford to sell bread at the alb loaf and take credit risks under the old system, by getting his money in advance he should be able to, sell lower than formerly, provided flour is at the same price. Our correspondent’s argument appears to be logical, and the consumer gains nothing by the adoption of the new system—as a matter of fact he is paying a trifle more for his bread, and paying in advance. The local bakers have adopted the system laid down by the bakers of Palmerston and Feiliiug. In some districts where the coupon system has been adopted, 10 coupons are issued for as 9d (s}4d the 2lb loaf), or 40 couoons for 10s lod (3#d alb loaf).— Ed. H.J