STRONG OBJECTION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 51, Issue 206, 13 June 1931, Page 5

STRONG OBJECTION.

CIGARETTE COUPON SYSTEM.

MERCHANTS SERIOUSLY AFFECTED.

(Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, June 11

Strong objections to the cigarette coupon system were again raised at a meeting of the council of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. It had been suggested by the Associateu Chambers of Commerce that the local chamber might approach local members of Parliament, but it was decided to take steps to find out immediately the policy of the Government. Mr M. M. Hememann said that in view of the decision reached at the last meeting he was surprised that nothing had been done. He quoted a letter from one tobacco company stating that owing to the dropping of the proposed legislation it was continuing its coupon system indefinitely and enlarging the range of prizes. The company’s proposals were not only extremely detrimental to the watchmakers and jewellers, but also seriously affected leather goods traders and others. Members of the Watchmakers’ and Jewellers’ Association had agreed that their sales of watches had dwindled by 50 per cent, since the coupon system had commenced. The matter was so serious-that many of the small shopkeepers might be forced out of business. They should learn immediately the Government’s policy, and he moved that the matter be taken up with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Industries and Commerce without delay. The chairman (Air J. P. Luke) said that it had been suggested by the Associated Chambers of Commerce that, the matter might be taken up with the local members of Parliament. Air Hoinomann said that they should first learn definitely whether the Government proposed to go on with the proposed legislation. If the Government’s reply was not satisiactGi.i they could then place the matter before the local members of Parliament. Mr Myers considered that the matter should bo referred to the Associated Chambers of Commerce, asking it to arrange a deputation to the Piime Minister and the Minister of Industries and Commerce. A motion on these lines was moved by Air Heinemann and carried.