PANIC BUYING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 October 1942, Page 2

PANIC BUYING

WITNESSED IN MASTERTON THIS MORNING. Following a recent announcement by a local department store that it would sell a limited quantity of hair combs, hair nets and cups and saucers, etc., an example of panic buying was witnessed this morning. Prior to the opening of the premises a crowd estimated at 300 people jammed the footpath in Queen Street outside the store. Bicycles were parked three deep at the kerhjng for a distance of a chain and a large number of cars were in evidence. As the doors were opened there was a great surge into the shop, people pushing and shoving to get to the counters. Harassed shop assistants demanded correct change to enable them to keep up with their customers' requests. For well over an hour the store was jammed with people and from the satisfied expression on the people’s faces as they emerged from the store it was apparent that they had secured their wants. The stocks, however, were cleaned out in a short time. A woman shopper had an unfortunate experience. She was walking along Queen Street when she was pushed into the store by the crowd rushing into the shop. Her purse was pushed from under her arm and was lost in the melee. Apparently it was picked up, for a search failed to find any trace of it. Glass fittings on the counter were smashed. A member of the public who was one of the early customers was rather unfortunate in his buying. After securing a hard-earned place at the counter he was asked for the correct amount of his purchase. As he did not have any change ho had to give up his place for the time being. On his return he again secured a place, but was told that the line he wanted had been sold. One woman shopper, after a struggle, secured her purchase of two cups and saucers and was leaving with her prizes when she dropped the cups and smashed them.