PROFITEERING.

Otaki Mail, Volume 27, 10 November 1919, Page 4

PROFITEERING.

After all the talk there has been of "profiteering," it is interesting to Icaru that the recent prosecution in Wellington was the only instance in which the Board had anything tangible and definito before it, and even then the Board had. to send out ono of its own staff to get further evidence. The Board will be able to make inquiries on its own account, but it. will bo fighting with one arm if the public docs n»t help it. People should realise, therefore, that it is jio use going about complaining of "profiteering" in this, that, or the other article, if they are not propared to lay their information before tho constituted authority, and back it up with their own testimony. It is , more than useless; it is not fair to the Hoard, which is on its trial, or to the dealers concerned. But while we urge : .the duty" of helping this constituted : authority, which, reinforced, starts out I on its mission with a general blessing, we would warn people not to allow their interest, in tho cost of living prolem to be confined to the Board's .operations. The Board cau do sonici thing to keep prices down, but the : principal causes of the rise in the cost cf living that; is troubling the whole ! world are things quite beyond tho conl rol of any such body. World-wide shortage, the moral and material effects of the war on colossal war expenditure and inflation of tho currency—these arc the chief factors in the high cost of living, and it is dangerous to look for a rapidly-working remedy for any of 'them. Recovery can only bo gradual, but it will bo accelerated by statesmanship in high places and work and common sense ] among the mass of the people.—"Manawatu "Times." >