EVIL OF CUTTING PRICES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 292, 7 December 1923, Page 12

EVIL OF CUTTING PRICES.

BAD FOB MABITFACTUBEBS. NO GAIN TO CONSUMERS. A matter of considerable importance to retailers was touched upon at the meeting of the executive of the Industrial Corporation yesterday afternoon, namely the fixation of prices. A letter was received from the Muter Grocers' Association inviting the Corporation to send delegates to a conference to be held on January 28. The letter asked the advice of the Corporation regarding the cutting of prices in proprietary lines. Mr. F. M. Hill said it waa a very delicate position. The chairman moved that the "Master Grocers' Association he thanked for the invitation, but also be informed that price fixation does not come -within the scope of the Corporation, also that delegates 'be appointed to attend. .Mr. F. M. Hill said it was in the interest' of manufacturers that price cutting should be stopped. The grocer naturally boycotted local lines that were being cut. They preferred to push imported lines that -were not subject to cutting. Mr. H. Dearsley said catting meant some firms getting into the bankruptcy court and loss to those who weathered the storm. Mr. Hill said the trouble was that manufacturers couW not fix prices, as it -was against common law. They had four legal decisions upon that point. The chairman said it should be permissible for any traders to combine for tbe purpose of assuring a fair profit upon goods handled. Cutting harmed the whole community, but any price fixations should be subject to investigation of the Board of Trade. The motion was adopted and Messrs F. 3d". Hill, J. Findlay, and the chairman were appointed delegates to attend the conference. . .