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Under the " automatic " schemes, distributors are able to apply the appropriate scheduled percentage mark-up to the invoice cost of the goods without reference to the Tribunal or Division. This system provides a considerable saving in time and work to both traders and the Division compared with the individual authorization methods, where at each stage of distribution traders had to secure approval of selling-prices for •each line before they were permitted to sell. In May, 1949, the Price Tribunal introduced by Price Order a new method for controlling tariffs chargeable by licensed hotels. This involved the grading of hotels and the fixing of basic charges (with allowances for extra services) on the basis of the grade. (d) Repricing Following the Standard Wage Pronouncement As a result of the Standard Wage Pronouncement made by the Arbitration Court on 12th April, 1949, with consequent wage-cost increases throughout industry and trade, widespread price adjustments had to be taken. Immediate action was taken to assess the effects of the wage increases on various industries and trades. Following the publication of a policy statement by the Price Tribunal, relief was granted immediately without awaiting application in the case of industries which would have suffered hardship in the event of delay. Other industries and trades were dealt with in order of priority following the submission of applications supported by adequate cost data. (e) Public Hearing and Price Orders Some of the more important public hearings held during the year related to bread, licensed hotel tariffs, sports goods, and electricity charges made by the Hutt Valley Electric-power Board. During the year 243 Price Orders were issued by the Tribunal bringing the total number issued to 1,133. (/) Enforcement Some 500 prosecutions affecting 371 traders were instituted during the year. Many of these cases involved more than one charge, and the total number of convictions entered was 855, the fines imposed totalling £2,401 ss. From early 1940 to 31st March, 1950, a total of 3,661 convictions have been recorded for breaches of price-control measures, and amounts totalling £16,377 ss. have been imposed by way of fines. 2. RATIONING CONTROLLER Butter and Cream (a) Butter Butter rationing was continued throughout the year. The local ration for private domestic consumption was increased from 6 oz. to 8 oz. per week on the 24th October, 1949, at which time also the period for which coupons were valid was extended from four to eight weeks. This concession, together with the increase in the basic ration, was greatly welcomed by the public. With the increase in the butter ration to 8 oz. per week, complaints that the ration was insufficient and requests for additional supplies practically ceased to be received. (b) Cream On 19th December, 1949, cream rationing was suspended for one month to enable the public to enjoy cream over the Christmas period. It was subsequently extended for a further month, and finally abandoned on 13th February, 1950.

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