WELLINGTON GROCERS

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 171, 15 April 1932, Page 18

WELLINGTON GROCERS

“Price-Cutting” Effect The annual meeting of the Wellington Master Grocers’ Industrial Union of Employers was held last Tuesday, with a record attendance of members. The’ president, Mr. A. L. Brown, commented on the strenuous year, and said the new award had been satisfactory, with the exception that the Arbitration Court had allowed “so-called managers” of shops to work on Sundays. The annual report said the year had been difficult for the trade. The family grocer who gave full service was compelled to sell his goods at practically the same prices as- the “cash-and-carry” chain stores, which did not have to live out of one business. The buying association which bad been established had been a great help to members, and these benefits enabled them more easily to meet the extraordinary price-cutting which prevailed.

Reporting on price-cutting the president said:

“In my opinion this difficulty could be more effectively dealt with by all association members standing solidly together and declining to handle a Tine which the manufacturers made no effect to stabilise. We..used to hear a lot about the solidarity of labour; why not about grocers? Our thanks are due to those manufacturers who have instituted the system of fixed minimum selling prices for their products. A lot has been written during the year about trading in New Zealand-made goods. As the individual retailer is the most important link between the manufacturer and the consumer, he should have protection.”

The membership was reported to stand at 92, and the balance-sheet showed an increase of £169. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mr. A. L. Brown (reelected) ; vice-president, Mr. 11. J. Arnold (re-elected); committee, Messrs. 11. Janson, D. Mount, H. S. Hawker. T. Logan, J. B. Burley, W Traill, and F. Watchman ; lion, treasurer, Mr. S. Plant; hon. auditor. IL .1. Barley.