BOARD OF TRADE

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 143, 17 June 1916, Page 3

BOARD OF TRADE

A MONTH'S WORK. Though, the Board of Trade has been in existence for only a brief period, it has managed to investigate many questions concerning the cost of living. In the past month members have been busy with enquiries conducted in Auckland, Hawlces Bay, and Poverty Bay districts. The board opened its proceedings in Auckland oil 19th May, with an investigation of the pre-war .and post-war prices of many necessaries of life. In addition, special ' enquiries were made into the position of particular commodities. Concerning sugar, evidence was taken from leading grocers and from representatives of the Sugar Refining Company. The board inspected the accounts of the company, invoices, stocksheets, etc., and also visited the company's works at Chelsea. Flour was the next commodity dealt with, and meat, bread, butter, and groceries were also j the subject of enquiry. Several general witnesses were examined regarding household expenses and food bills in the four-year period since the Cost of Living Commission sat in 1912. Preliminary investigation of the prices of clothing and boots was undertaken, and evidence was also obtained respecting rents; but the board was unable to complete its enquiries under these heads before leaving for Gisborne and Wellington. In Auckland a commission of enquiry regarding the fishing industry was opened. Post-war trade with enemy countries was j a subject on which the views of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce were j obtained. Enquiry into this matter was I continued in Gisborne, where the local Chamber of Commerce interviewed the J members of the board. Several complaints regarding infringements of the Commercial Trusts Act were dealt with in Auckland, and also a complaint that the local price of a certain commodity was considerably higher than the export price. The board heard evidence from both sides regarding this latter case, and has forwarded its report to the president of the board (lit. Hon. W. F. Massey). The chief cause of complaint in *4he Auckland district, though not so much in Auckland City itself, was in regard to bread prices. The board found it necessary to visit the Tha-mes and Waikato districts in connection with this matter.

At Gisbovne, the board dealt with complaints, emanating from the Gisborne Borough Council, as to the high price ,of meat, and its report on _ this matter" was submitted to the president on Thursday. The fishing industry enquiry was continued at Napier, ajid evidence was taken from leading experts. At Wellington, as previously stated, sugar investigations were completed, and the board is now engaged with an enquiry regarding petrol prices.