FIXATION OF PRICES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLIV, Issue 10067, 13 March 1924, Page 5

FIXATION OF PRICES

DISCUSSED BY GROCERS.

(Per Press Association.) j AUCKLAND, March 12. Fixation of prices was considered by the Grocers' Conference. Mr Collins, secretary to the Department of Industry, addressed the delegates and said that while in certain cases the Department had fixed maximum prices it invariably left the adjustment of minimum prices to tree competition. The public was defintely opposed to any interference with tree competition, andi it was the desire ot the Department to interfere with trade as little as possible. "On the other hand " ho said, "it is abundantly evident that the tendency toward price ; maintenance and restriction of competition by various firms and trade asso- i ciations* is a grave factor in commercial life I admit at once that if business conditions necessitate or make I economically advisable fixation 01 prices by any organised body it is iiecessarv that such fixation should be subject to Government supervision to safeguard the interests of consumors J The conference decided to urge upon the Government the absolute necessity in the interests of fair trading to allow manufacturers to fix prices with the ri<rht to refuse to supply * dealer unless suoh prices were observed, the public interest to be safeguarded by such prices being subject to the approval ot the Department of Industries and Commerce. ~■,-,. -A JThe conference decided to instruct the executive to arrange for a conference with the Industrial Corporation and wholesale distributors with a view to joint action in gaining the end indiI cated. , . . J The confernee has concluded.