COUNTRY STOREKEEPERS AND PRICE ORDERS

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24022, 10 August 1943, Page 3

COUNTRY STOREKEEPERS AND PRICE ORDERS

COMPENSATION FOR COST OF DELIVERY SUGGESTED The opinion that the Price Tribunal, when fixing prices, should allow a slight difference to compensate for the cost of delivery of goods in country districts was expressed at a meeting of the Waimate Farmers’ Union, when several members characterised as unduly severe the penalties imposed on a Morven storekeeper on charges of breaches of a price order. The prosecution was instituted in the Magistrates Court at Waimate on August 3, when fines of £6 in each instance were imposed by Mr H. Morgan. S.M., on Harry Smith, on charges of selling a tin of boot polish for 9d instead of Bd. and a tin of baking powder for Is 9d instead of Is 6d. Mr J. W. Armstrong, referring to the overcharge of Id, said he thought the union might make representations to the Minister of Justice that the fine was unreasonable. No doubt the law had been enforced, but while cash and carry stores could carry on at the prices fixed by the tribunal, he considered country storekeepers were entitled to charge for delivery. Storekeepers in other centres had been similarly penalised, yet for more serious offences fines of 5s to 10s had been imposed. . . Mr W. L. Hay said a recommendation might be made to the Price Tribunal. The meeting, however, considered that publicity would draw attention to the position.