FISH TRADING

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 538, 15 December 1928, Page 14

FISH TRADING

RETAILERS RESENT NEW BUYING SYSTEM Something of a storm in a teacup has been raised among Auckland tish dealers by a decision of Sanford, Ltd., to sell in baskets at 25s apiece, instead ©£ allowing retailers to pick and choose their stock. The change was made yesterday, and retailers cahed a meeting to discuss the position. About 50 were present and it was decided to inquire into the possibility of obtaining other supplies. One retailer declared that it would certainly mean increased prices to the public. He added that he and his fellows would combat the new’ system, even if it meunt arranging for trawling on a large scale themselves. On the other hand, wholesale suppliers StF© practically unanimous in the ©pinion that the new system of basket lots is a fair one. They fail to see any season why it should result in increased gurice# to the consumer. Mr. G. Sanford said: The system of Celling by the pound is unsatisfactory, while the new system is a very fair one. The retailers are not asked to take rubbish. It is not fair for those who iome first to take all the large fish, leaving the small for the others. Auckland is the only place I know of where the new system is not in operation. Mr. Sanford added this morning that the new system was not necessarily permanent. If it did not prove satisfactory the only thing would be to return to the old method. Another merchant said that there should not be any hardship to anyone. It appeared to him that a mountain was being made out of a molehill. “Fish will never be really cheap in Auckland.’* he added. “Shop rents are high and the tu .*srs comparatively small. Why, in Queen Street overhead expenses alone amount, in many cases, to 4d a lb. 1 see no reason why the new system should increase prices.”