PRICES OF FOOD.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 July 1915, Page 5

PRICES OF FOOD.

THE PUBLIC NOT EXPLOITED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. 'Pile report of the commission appointed under the Regulation of Trade and. Commerce Act was laid on the tabic of the House of Representatives this afternoon by the Prime Minister. After reviewing the position with regard to wheat, supplies, the commissioners proceeded to disease the prices of meat, the prices of which, they stated, will, during the continuance of the war. be regulated by the price at whitli 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 stork that can be dcait with by freezing companies. Evidence showed that retailer? 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 it high level of prices. On the contrary, the commission is satislied that merchants and traders, with a few exceptions, have acted fairly and reasonably, anil have not sought to take advantage, of the war to augment profits at the expense of the public.