THE SMALL SHOPKEEPER.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 292, 10 December 1925, Page 12

THE SMALL SHOPKEEPER.

(To the Editor.) Sir, Mr. Jones' letter re the above is very opportune. That the small shopkeeper is having a hard time is an indisputable fact, as the large stores now Handle practically everything the small dealer does, and owing to their exceptional facilities for buying are able to offer the goods at prices with which the small man cannot hope to compete. The situation under these circumstances is very complicated, and it is difficult to find a remedy, but it seems to mc that manufacturers when supplying their goods could fix a reasonable price at which , these were to 'be sold to the public and so give everyone a chance to live. Under present circumstances the small shopkeepers are being slowly squeezed out of existence. The few crumbs they, used to toe able to pick up ■when they were allowed to, keep open late have been taken away from them, and the public, while quite ready to take-advantage of the facilities offered for local shopping when necessity compels them to do so, quite ignores these very useful members of-the community at other times. The whole thing is very disheartening and very unfair. Is there no one amongst all your influential Teaders;that can suggest a remedy? "The labourer is worthy of his hire," and everyone who is willing to work should be-entitled to a living wage! If you, will institute inquiries yourself you will find I" have not exaggerated in any way-. The . lot of many of the small shopkeepers is deplorable.—l am,- etc.,' ' * .; 7 - ' • ONE WHO. KNOWS,