FOODSTUFFS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 52, 29 August 1914, Page 2

FOODSTUFFS

COMMISSION OP ENQUIRY TO PREVENT UNDUE ADVANCES.

In the House of Representatives last evening, the Prime Minister (Right Hon. W. F. Massey) announced the personnel of the Commission which the Govern' ment is setting up under the recent Regulation, of Trade and Commerce Act to enquire into tho question of the prices of foodstuffs in order to prevent undue advances during the war crisis. The members of the board will be : — His Honour Mr. Justice Stringer, President of the Court of Arbitration (chairman). ' Hon. John Barr, M.L.C. Mr. James Begg, Mosgiel. Mr. G. J. Garland, Auckland. Mr. W. M. Milne, Oamaru. Mr. G. Wilson, Wellington. The order of reference directs that the board shall enquire into the following matters : — (a) The state of the prices in New Zealand of wheat, flour, bread, oatmeal, beef, mutton, and any other articles whatever of fOod or drink, on Ist August, 1914, and at any time thereafter. (b) The quantity, situation, demand, su Pplyj oi" possession of any such articles of food or drink in New Zealand. (c) The advisability of the exercise by the Governor-in-Council to fix and determine the maximum price in New Zealand of any of such articles of food or drink, and whether different maximum prices shouJd be fixed for the same articles of food or drink in respect of different . forms, modes, conditions, or localities of trade, commerce, sale, or supply. _ Mr. Massey stated that the Commission would be asked to commence its sittings at once in Wellington, and to deal as quickly as possible with matters to which attention had lately been drawn. Afr f T. M. Wilford asked whether it would have power to call for evidence showing exactly what prices were paid for meat, and what it was sold for by all parties engaged in the trade. Mr, Massey replied that the order of reference was sufficiently, comprehensive to cover any possibility that might occur. The Commission would have full power" to compel the giving of evidence*. The terms of the Order-in-Council appointing the Commission require it to report not later than a date in September on any matters enquired into.