Price complaints investigated

Press, 6 September 1983, Page 2

Price complaints investigated

PA Wellington The Trade and Industry Department investigated 78 complaints of price freeze breaches in the last week and in 14 cases the prices charged were found to be out of order.

During the week ended August 31 a further 83 complaints were received. Of these, 17 related to fees for services, 16 to groceries, and 10 to restaurants and takeaways. During the same period the department dealt with 32 hardship applications and approved 23. A further 39 applications were received. Applications approved included.—Carthy Motors, Ltd, Christchurch, a 1.6 per cent increase in new car and part prices; Christchurch Contract Bridge Club, increase of 23 per cent for card fees; C. S. Bates, Ltd, Christchurch, an increase of 28 per cent for fence stain; Harvest Soyfoods, Auckland, an increase of 21.7 per cent for bean curd, soy-

milk and tofu; N. Z. Buffalo Review, Napier, maximum selling price of 80 cents per issue; Rangiora Trotting Club, a 25 per cent increase in racebooks; University College, Dunedin, increases of ?2 to $3 a head for conference rates and up to $3.33 a week for student accommodation.

Companies granted dispensation under Regulation 11(2) are permitted to increase footwear prices on account of their increased costs of leather: McKinlay’s Footwear Company, Ltd, Dunedin; Scott Design, Ltd, Christchurch; C. M. Donald, Ltd, Christchurch; Adams and Robertson Shoes, Ltd, Auckland; J. B. Frame and Sons, Ltd, Dunedin; The Selby Shoe Company, Ltd, Auckland; The Last Footwear Company, Christchurch; N.Z. Safety Manufacturing, Ltd, Auckland.

Container Terminals, Ltd, Wellington, may increase refrigeration charges subject to concurrent reductions on depot and wash charges.