PROFITEERING AND CLOTHES.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3435, 15 March 1920, Page 5

PROFITEERING AND CLOTHES.

REPRESENTATIONS TO PREMIER

TRADE SAVES PUBLIC MONEY

WELLINGTON, March 13

The Premier was interviewed by a. deputation from the New Zealand Retail Dl-apersy’ Association and Clothing Trade representatives, with a request that the cost of living tribunals :12 considering a fair profit, he dii‘eC{é>,d to take into account the cost. of replacement. The speakers conv:emie:l jthat the trade had saved the New Z-"‘rl-iland consumer hundreds of thousands by early Ibuying after the al‘llliSH.l‘€¥, the result being that many lines ‘\V’m'e sold in New Zealand by retail at "09low the present English wholesale cost, Horrockg calico, Pinlayks sheeting, and tobralco dress col-ton _:_.,‘l:(vdS ibeing quoted. The last was stated to the Selling at 3/ a. yard wholesale in ,Ellgl'<lnd, while the local retail price IWaS 2/3. The deputaf.i.'):l ur<.:3d that Ithe profiteering inVeST.iga,‘;,ion;; be pm. lsued to the source of the manufacurers.

Mr Massey promised to I\=.f‘9l‘ the points to the Board 0? 'J.‘ra'le. Without undertaking to accept the suggestions he was prepared to admit that in many lines there 11:11 113.‘. been undue profits. Replying tn the re(_luest that the tribunals :shou!.vl inclzléle men with a knowledge of the 9.v.'J..:13. the Premier said that they sat. in private, and there would he an cppo:-::uni’r.y for those interested in the trade to make their representat.i.-ans.