ITINERANT VENDORS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 153, 10 April 1930, Page 4

ITINERANT VENDORS.

Sir,—ln yoiu- publication of yesterday [' Fair Play" deplores the presence of itinerant vendors in our town. His condemnation of such freedom given to this type of salesman calls for the approbation of every business man in this community. During the last few months Ashburton has been suffering from an epidemic of such vendors, and no endeavour has been made by the authorities to check it or ascertain the genuineness of the goods for sale. Itinerant vendors open shops in various parts of the town, and by an ostentatious display of their wares and reasons for selling contrive' to dispose of the maximum quantity in the minimum of time. Their method is C.O.D. —the best no doubt —but business men of this town find it impossible to adopt it —for obvious reasons. Any complaints regarding the quality of the wares sold by the former when made to the salesman concerned are in the great majority of cases dismissed without, consideration. All no doubt may have a reputation of fair play and honesty of purpose in their home towns, but some have no apparent desire to demonstrate it here. Yet our own shopkeepers have such a reputation here, and strive to uphold it by good service and just'charges. There is always a certain type in every community which will stretch the credit system to its limit. A little pressure by the business concerned sends them elsewhere, and, failing to obtain credit, they will pay cash to another firm, forgetting the man who has stood by them during their lean times. These are the people who rush these half-baked ''sales houses" and

"warehouse displays," all surplus cash going to them for purchase of a 45s article for 97s 6d. These people want protection against themselves as well as against "high-powered salesmanship." Itinerant vendors much in our town, snend a little, and too often leave behind a disgruntled public who refuse to learn a lesson. Is this fair to the honest business man ? " In the name of common justice these people should bo prevented from entrance to the town ; failing authority to do that. then a poll tax "proportionate to their gains should be charged. Our Borough Council should not have to be spurred on to attend to these matters —protection of their ratepayers is their duty—and here is some additional revenue, Mr Mayor and Councillors. APPARENT BARGAIN.