FLOUR DISTRIBUTORS

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 200, 21 May 1931, Page 10

FLOUR DISTRIBUTORS

Mr H. E. Holland’s Charge

DIRECTOR’S REPLY

By Telegraph.—Press Association

Christclwircli. May 20.

A reply lias been made by Distributors Ltd. to statements by Mr. 11. E. Holland, Leader of the Labour Party, regarding the price of flour. Distributors Ltd. have telegraphed Mr. Holland as follows: “Concerning your charge against Distributors Ltd. in regard to a Gore baker, we assure you that such an action as was indicated by you is absolutely contrary to our policy, and we cannot find any facts to substantiate such a charge. M'ill you kindly supply us with details, as we are satisfied you have been misinformed. M’e are quite prepared to give you or your appointee any information or assistance in investigating this matter.” Speaking for tlie company. Mr. R. K. Ireland, chairman of directors, said the company’s policy was to treat all bakers alike. ' Distributors Ltd. was not interested in price-cutting by bakers mid had on occasions instructed represent:! tires of the company that they must not take part in negotiations regarding bread prices. Mr. Ireland also denied that millers made a large margin of profit, and said a reduction of £2 a ton in the price >f flour ns suggested by Mr. Holland could bo brought about only at tlie expense of the wheat-grower.

Speaking at Auckland on Tuesday night Mr. Holland said that some time ago he received information from Gore that the bakers there on February 21 declared a reduction in the price of the four-pound loaf from one shilling Io Old That was on a Saturday. On the following Monday Mr. Holland alleged they were notified that if they did not restore the old price either their, flour supplies would be cut off or thev would be charged 30/- a ton more.