PROTECTION OF CONSUMERS

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28702, 27 September 1958, Page 11

PROTECTION OF CONSUMERS

Public Service Committee A consumer protection committee to protect the interests of consumers in the Christchurch area will be considered by the Canterbury branch of the Public Service Association, the chairman (Mr T. P. Hogan) said yesterday. The committee could well follow the pattern of a very successful committee in Wellington, were 10,000 members of the association were centred, Mr Hogan said. There was a place for a similar watchdog committee in Christchurch, he said. “It will be especially appropriate at this time when there is a shortage of goods and attempts on the part of some traders to capitalise on the sitww* tion.” In Wellington good work had been done in pinpointing and exposing breaches of Price Tribunal orders, overcharging for goods in short supply, and contaminated foodstuffs. The committee had also been successful in negotiating for a change in the charges for electricity in one district, and in lowering meat and fish prices, he said. Research was being done into irregularities connected with after sales service. “In the meantime, representatives of the 4000 association members in Government departments in Canterbury have been asked to supply the local office with any complaints and information on matters concerning such a sub-committee,” Mr Hogan said.