MATCHES AND TOBACCO.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 858, 2 July 1910, Page 4

MATCHES AND TOBACCO.

PREPARATIONS FOR A DOMINION CONFERENCE. • At a meeting of the executive of the Retail Tobacconists' Association, held on Thursday evening, a letter was read from Mr. J. A. Pike, chairman of directors of Bryant and May and Bell and Co., match manufacturers, denying that there was a combine of match manufacturers in New . Zealand, sand further stating that the New Zealand Was. Vesta Co., Bryant and May, and Bell and Co., Ltd., were under separate and distinct managements and proprietaries. He also stated that his 'firm had not raised the prices of matches for three and a - half years. It was decided that the chairman, aud secretary should reply to the letter, and forward a copy of the same to the Hon. J.': A. Millar.

At the meeting it was stated that in 190? the price of matches (in purchasing from one to three case lots) ranged from 7s. 6d. to 7s. 9d. per gross; in May the same year the price was Bs. 3d.; in January, 1908, it was Bs. 6d.; in February, 1908, it was Bs. 9d.; now' the prico was from 9s. 6d. to 9s. 7d. Full consideration was'to be given to the subjects to be discussed with the Warehousemen's Association next week.

A letter was received from the Licensed Victuallers' Association, stating its .willingness to l fall in with tho movement that thoy. should individually refrain from selling cigars and cigarettes in hotels after hours. Messrs, Speed and Armit were appointed a deputation to interview the Chinese Consul in regard -to certain matters oonnected with tlio /Salo of tobacconists' goods. The secretary was also • instructed to write to tho Grocers' Association asking for a conference on the tobacco tariff.

The executive is now engaged in drawing up an order paper for a Dominion conference of tobacconists to bo held in "Wellington shortly.