Prosecutions Instituted For Price Order Breaches

Taranaki Daily News, 28 August 1942, Page 6

Prosecutions Instituted For Price Order Breaches

Wellington, Aug. 24. •'All cases reported by t.he inspectors or by the public are investigated by the Price Tribunal with a view to prosecution," said the Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan. when reviewing the work of the tribunal. "In a number of cases no prosecution can ensue, some of the reasons being that the complaint is sent anonymously, the complainant is not prepared to give evidence in Court, the price complained of has in fact been authorised, of there is lack of evidence to substantiate a charge. Even wherea complaint is sent in anonymously, however, inspectors follow up the information. "Instances. where there has been a lack of evidence have occurred in regard to complaints concerning prices of potatoes. It is only since June 12, 1942, that a comprehensive price order issued by the Price Tribunal has been in force covering prices and margins of profit right through from the grower to the public. Price orders covering potatoes were in existence before that, but these were emergency orders, merely designed to hold the position." In making reference to prosecutions for profiteering and breaches of the Price Regulations, he said that in the past two years 210 prosecutions had been instituted, there being 184 convictions, 6 withdrawals, 8 dismissals and 12 cases at present in the hands of Crown solicitors. In addition, there was a number of cases at present under investigation. The highest fine against any one defendant was £75 in the case of a herbalist for profiteering, and eight oyster companies at Bluff were fined £10 each for selling oysters at a price higher than authorised. Most of the fines, however, amounted to £5 or less and in some cases where the Courts considered that extenuating circumstances were shown a conviction without penalty was recorded.