CONTROLLING PRICES.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 August 1920, Page 4

CONTROLLING PRICES.

INVESTIGATION TRIBUNAL SITTING AT NEW PLYMOUTH, SEVERAL COMPLAINTS MADE. The sitting of the Wellington District Prices Investigation TribunaJ opened in New Plymouth at the Courthouse yesterday, and according to a statement made to a Daily News reporter last by the chairman (Mr. 0. M. Luke) the members experienced one of the busiest days they had. Associated with Mr. Luke tire Mews A. J. Maxwell and M. J. Reardon, and the committee found several complaint* to investigate. As complainants Were also invited to make personal interview, or by letter, a number of persons waited on the Tribunal.

During the daytheTribußal examined twelve witnesses. The investigation touched upon- several commodities of living/such as "boots;- 'shoes, and drapery, an examination fcade of eVMy item from men's apparel down to the smallest article of personal attire. A very considerable amount of time was given to the question Of the rfitail cost qf meat in - a district where inwt has always been looked upon .M so plentiful, and whetfe, in 1 the minds of many people, it should be at the lowest retail price. ■■ The Tribunal found the Ideal prices of most commodities ol fried, clothing, and boots ' compared favoraoly with prices elsewhere, -especially in the city of Wellington. Amongst other matters dealt with was the price of seed- and various requirements of this district. The Tribunal has not finished with any of the complaints so far, and conclusions in regard to some will not he arrived at until the committee's return to Wellington. Traders were found to be most willing and frank in giving their evidence, and in many instances produced their balance-sheets, disclosing all details regarding the carrying on of their business, overhead charges, etc. In many instances the- high cost of flam- ■ modifies is due to Higher charges obtaining elsewhere for imported goods, and the Tribunal; in some cases, will need to trace the reason for the high cost Mck .to the mills,'-tanneries, and raw material The sitting will be resumed at ftSO this morning, when it is anticipated te« , other full day will be experienced.