BOYCOTTING HIGH PRICES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2129, 18 May 1920, Page 3

BOYCOTTING HIGH PRICES.

AUCKLAND WOMEN’S CAMPAIGN. THE “BALLOON” COMING . DOWN. It is stated that the resolutions passed ai the meeting of Auckland women the other day, when b 7 of them subscribed to a resolution pledging themselves to abstain for six monlbs from purchasing certain articles of dross at more than specified prices, has been endorsed by scores of women, wires the Post’s Auckland correspondent. Inquiries suggest that the average woman says “my sentiments entirely,” but lo meet Ihe cast; of liie majority ol Auckland's women the prices fixed al (he meeting are far too high. “Good heavens,” remarked one young lady, “1 haven't bad a blouse or pair of boots al that priee since the war started.” She said it would he useless for Ihe great proportion of women to endorse the boycott with such prices, and such a movement must of necessity include a comparatively small proportion of the women of Auckland. “If it becomes the fashion lo boycott these tilings and the movement is led by the ‘right people,’ if will he found to lie a sueeess.” The lady who gave lids opinion instanced the vase of gloves, and snid a woman wearing any other sort I him cotton was the exeeplion in Queen Street. A mere man who was asked for an opinion said he had the greatest admiration and respect for the matrons of: Auckland. Their magnificent work during the Avar shoAved what they could do Avhen they combined and were properly led, “but,” and here he looked miniterable things, “what about Ihe flaunting dapper?” He felt Iha I her undisguised desire for prcltv things would hardly he curbed by I lie resolution,-, or the admirable example of her elder sislers. “The dapper is not strong on domislic or political economy as far as { have been able.to gather, and lam afraid she will be the hardest convert they will have to make.’ lie said that a somewhat similar campaign in San Francisco had not materially affected (he drapery business; slid lie felt sure that if the Auckland women had made up their minds |o boycott extravagantlypriced goods they would do so. One lady, who was asked wlial she thought of the campaign, said she did nol know whether the recent ventilation of the protests against the

many-guinead costume* was the cause,, but the prices were certainly lower in the shops than they were* six weeks ago; at least in mainlines. She said Hie fact had not been blazoned abroad, but close studv of shop cards had convinced her that the price “balloon" was at hist coming down, although it still was a long way from the ground.