ZONING TO END IN N.S.W.

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24800, 14 February 1946, Page 5

ZONING TO END IN N.S.W.

GOVERNMENT DECISION

POSSIBLE OPPOSITION OF CARTERS’ UNION

(Rec. 7.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, Feb. 13. Following continued protests by housewives and a recent revolt of caucus, the New South Wales Cabinet has asked the Commonwealth Government for the immediate revocation of all zoning regulations, as a result of which there should be unrestricted deliveries of bread, milk, and ice within a week.

The Commonwealth Government was prepared to end zoning in all states last December but controls were continued in New South Wales at the request of the State Government, because of the shortage of labour and transport. Early in January the direction of the Premier (Mr W. J. McKell) that zoning should continue for six months evoked protests from housewives.

However, the housewives’ victory on the zoning question may not be complete. Milk carters are being instructed by the Milk and Ice Carters’ Union not to serve outside their zones, pending a decision on the union’s policy. The secretary said to-day that employees who caused disunity by engaging in throat-cutting competition or vendors who sought to take advantage of the situation might be declared Contentions that the end of zoning would result in higher prices show signs of weakening. Ice vendors are satisfied with present prices bakers are mostly content to leave the problem to the Government, and milk vendors are so far hesitant.