THE PROFITEER.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 3, 1 April 1920, Page 2

THE PROFITEER.

Since the law does not recognise conventional distinctions of class or rank, oue does not need to be directly engaged in business to be a "profiteer," and some of those people who have lately sold their homes at the present "boom" prices are wondering whether the Board of Trade is Jikely to take a critical interest in such transactions. A correspondent of a Wellington newspaper, discussing the profits to he made by speculating in options on dweiling houses, quotes a boa-sting statement made by one acute gentleman that, having started with a capital of £600, he has been making £80 a week by buying and selling on the rising market. The Prime Minister was asked the other day whether house property comes within the jurisdiction of tlio Board of Trade, but Mr Massey thinks "that is a question not to be answered off-hand." But the man wlo has just eleared £500 by the sale of a house on which he had paid, perhaps, £200 six months ago, will argue to his own satisfaetion that there is no parallel between his deal and the "outrageous profiteering" at which he protests every tirne a tradesman's bill is delivered at his doors.