THE FOOD PRICES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 53, 2 July 1915, Page 7

THE FOOD PRICES.

THE PUBLIC NOT EXPLOITED. Pick IVr.ss Association. Wellington, July 1. The report of the commission appointed under the Regulation of Trade and Commerce Act was laid on the table, of the House of Representatives this afternoon by the Prime Minister. After reviewing the position with regard to wheat supplies, the commissioners proceeded to discuss the prices of meat, the prices of which, they stated,' will, during the continuance of the war, be regulated by the price at which the Imperial Government has taken over our exportable surplus of meat, and may be further modified by the shortage of shipping space limiting the number of live stock that can be dealt with .by freezing companies. Evidence showed that retailers generally, while receiving higher prices, were seldom making more profit than in normal times, and in many instances had to content themselves with reduced profits. There was no suggestion in the evidence of a combination amongst merchants to maintain a high level of prices. On the contrary, the commission is satisfied that merchants and traders, with a few exceptions, have acted fairly and reasonably, aid have not sought to take advantage of the war to augment profits at the expense of the public.