CASH-ORDER SYSTEM

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 610, 12 March 1929, Page 12

CASH-ORDER SYSTEM

GROWTH OF THE BUSINESS EVIDENCE AT DUNEDIN Press Association DUNEDIN, Monday. Evidence in support of the cashorder system was given by two witnesses to-day, when the Minister of Industries and Commerce continued his inquiry into the system m New Ze one n< said that he had conducted a cash-order business for many yea.rb. His business was done main.y with working classes, and he accepted no orders from married, women unless with the prior approval of their husbands. The commission granted by the four or five local nrms which accepted his orders averaged about iper cent., but in some cases 12-, plus per cent., was paid. The second witness, who also conducted a cash-order scheme, said he had been in business for a comparatively short period. He charged 5 per cent, commission on all orders issued, and the principal was repaid at the rate of Is a week for every £.l advanced. The holders of orders r t.’ - ceived goods at the actual cash price charged by retailers, and he received commission averaging 12 i per cent., but in some eases 15 per cent, was allowed. His business was growing rapidly. Witness strongly stressed the advantage of the cash-order system over instalment payments. The secretary of the Chamber _of Commerce presented a resolution which had been passed by the executive condeming the system and suggesting that legislation should be introduced making it illegal to issue cash orders.

The Minister stated in reply to a question that when the inquiry here was concluded he would proceed to Auckland, where evidence would be heard on March 25 and the four following days.