HOUSE-TO-HOUSE TRADING.

Auckland Star, 2 September 1933, Page 8

HOUSE-TO-HOUSE TRADING.

A WORD FOR THE CANVASSER,

(To the Editor.)

On the vexed question of itinerant tradin* I write with a plea for the unfortunate men and women who prefer this heart-breaking and tiring method of trying to keep selfsupporting instead of seeking charity. I contend no one, unless forced by circumstances with no better employment offering, woukf undertake such a job for bare existence; more is impossible. If licenses must be obtained, the remedy is for the law to insist that it be the duty of anyone employing canvassers to obtain a national one, covering the whole country for each individual. No man is expected to work in shop or warehouse without a fixed wage, yet firms expect to sell their goods on commission and increase their turnover, whilst they sit back in their office chairs. This Micawber-like attitude permits many to live at ease on the efforts of their fellow men without paying them a fair return for their labour. Personally, I have investigated many of these schemes, not one of which offered even a living after a full day's work. For the wretched canvasser, hawker, salesman or traveller to be further harassed by law restriction in each little town or borough is the las£. straw. The on!y liberty left to the people of this country is the right to purchase how and where they will. Therefore I say, "Hands off these brave men and women who plod their weary way trying to keep body and soul together by bringing to the notice of the householder or farmer the articles thev have to sell." AXTI-HUMBUG. '