“PROFITEERING.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2023, 2 September 1919, Page 3

“PROFITEERING.”

DEFINITE CASES WANTED,

’ ' PROSECUTIONS TO BE INSTI-

, TUTED. The following memorandum, under .date 25th August, has been addressed by the Prime Minister to the Secretary of the Board of Trade: — “Since I returned to New Zealand, a little more than a fortnight ago, I have heard 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, hut the fact remains that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction with the existing state of affairs. The members of the Board of Trade arc probably in a better position to understand what is going on that any other throe men in New Zealand. I must ..therefore request the Board to take advantage, of the section of Die Act of last year, which provides that traders making an unreasonable profit, comparing the war period and post-war period with (lie pre-war period, arc liable to a tine up to £2OO, or if a company, up to £I,OOO. “1 know there are many factors in operation which cannot he dealt with in this Dominion, and I believe the public overlook the inflation of the currency which has been going on for years in every British country, and which was unavoidable under the circumstances that British citizens have had to deal with. But I am afraid there is no doubt thatprofiteering is going on, and I ask you to look seriously and earnestly into the suggestion that I have made, and if the Board can find any reliable evidence to go upon, I request the members to have informations laid and bring some cases before the Court, so that wo may ascertain exactly whore wo are and whether additional legislation is required during the coming session. “(Signed) W. F, MASSEY, , Prime Minister.”