CASH UP!

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 169, 10 April 1908, Page 8

CASH UP!

CASH COUPONS FOR BREAD FROM MAY 4. . A DISCOUNT BATE. At a well-attended meeting of the Wellington Master Bakers' Association held last evening, the sub-committee set . up for the ■purpose of bringing down a scheme for the payment for bread on the cash coupon system -handed in its report. ..The report, which, was adoptcd,provides for the inauguration of the coupon system on Monday, May ■1, on'which day all the carters-mil bo supplied with cards containing a dozen coupons, which will bo sold for 3s. 4d., i.e., 2d. discount on a dozen loaves, which is equivalent to 5 per cent. _ discount, a concession not given hitherto in the bread business. Not less than one dozen coupons are sold to any person. Those electing to pay cash instead of purchasing, tickets will -be charged 3}d. per 21b. loaf net'eash. -Special coupons will be sold at 2s. per dozen for half or lib. loaves. Public institutions; arid the shipping are exempted jfrom the new-system. It is pointed out by the secretary. (Mr. 11. F. Allen) that tho! 5 per cent.; discount involved in the cash coupon system is being offered the public in return for the prospective gain the bakers ' will achieve in the absence of bad debts and'the saving iu'bookkeeping expenses, and, further, is being given in the face of the recent rise of 10s. per ,ton in the price of flour. ,' AN AUCKLAND BAKER'S VIEW. (BY TET.EGRAM.— ri'.ESS ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, April 9.- _ A leading member cf the Auckland Master Bakers' Association, chatting with a "Star 1 ! representative, this morning, said lio did riot believe that any, change from the present opurso of ■ procedure would bo advantageous. Thero is," he added, " a very divided opin--ion on the subject, and a 'strong' feeling: is held by many that the cash system would not work in Auckland. Thero are seventytwo master bakers in the city and suburbs, and it is urged that, while a cash or coupon trade may work all right iri i. place -like Gisbornc, where, there are only half-a-dozen bakers, it is questionable if the. same unanimity would; prevail in Auckland among ;so many.; To make a success'of tho cash-busi-ness, it would be necessary for all 'those connected with 'the trade'.to remain steadfast to the principle and give absolutely no credit.": Asked his opinjon on tbp proposal emanating from the Dunodin Master Bakers' Association, in favour' of the Government fixing the price of bread, the master baker in question was emphatic in his disapproval, of tho suggestion; '"'Such a.courses-would hover bo tolerated'in Auckland," he said.- " Men who know nothing of the tradeV'.or of. the conditions . under which wo work, cannot■ possibly arrive; at a fair; and equitable conclusion, , and the proposal. will meet with the very strongost' antagonism from Auckland members' of the trade." Asked how the provisions of the new Pure Foods Bill applied to the bread trade, another baker replied that, tho Association had spent a. very considerable amount i;of time in: discussing theso regulations,-over'which thero was a very strong feeling.- At any time'-bf tho day, carters were'liable to be hauled up in tho street, and an 'examination of the bread made., An , ounce ,:sliortag - e in a loaf meant a £20 . fine. To provido . against the chances' of, loss in weight, .by evaporation; bakers aro compelled, uhderjthe liew Act,-to tura'cnt a 41b. loaf weighing-.41b." Boz. . The samp ratio applied to smaller loaves. To a firm, turning' out 8000 loaves/a week, this means' a very item, and ' t]iq bakers look upon tho " safety margin" as -altogether out of tho question. .