THE CANVASSER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 16, 20 January 1931, Page 6

THE CANVASSER.

In reply to "Fair Play," it seems only fait to small shopkeepers who have to pay rent, rates and taxes that canvassers who compete with them should have to pay for the privilege. However, during a time of depression such as we are now experiencing a point could 'be strained in .cases where hardship is involved* For instance, a man with dependents, unable to follow any other occupation, should be granted a free license if without means, to pay. A single man should be allowed a month and by that time he should 'be in a position to meet his liability. Even in prosperous •times a person, having held a license for several years, if unable to pay for its renewal) should have a period of grace extended to him* As things are at present, any canvasser foolish enough to expect this period of grace would 'be sadly disappointed. The majority of can-, vassers are those who, through ill-health, advancing age, or physique, have been forced to take up this kind of work as their only means of earning a livelihood, such as it is. Most of these are licensed, and the reason for the others being unlicensed is due rather to lack of funds than unwillingness to pay. They do not complain of having to pay. Their complaint is that unscrupulous individuals who could pay are able to dodge their liability. These individuals are generally of the robust type and are not incapable of using a pick and shovel if their strength is supported by a little will power. Only the other day one of them, a stockiry-bnilt chap who looked as fit as a bushwhacker, was heard to remark that "he preferred peddling to bending his back at the right end. of a long-handled shovel." And among those who dodge payment of their license fee are to be found the shady customers whose transactions are not strictly above board. Aleo the "pocket 'brigade"—those pests who suddenly approach a person and from their capacious pockets bring forth an article which they endeavour to sell at an enormous profit and if successful promptly depart to the nearest hotel. But the most despicable of the -wiole lot is the roan who has abundant means and has no need to worif, yet competes with those battling foaml ier a living that he may surfeit fchnseif on the good things of life at the expense, of bis less fortunate brother. Is it any wander thai the 'boria-iide canvasser earne each <& .jeKig^jj&t&nce and h unaWe to *nai*xm*lmmnr*J»" ' SueELiHSil/K.