THE BEER BOYCOTT

Evening Star, Issue 23349, 19 August 1939, Page 14

THE BEER BOYCOTT

DIMINISHED TRADE [Per United Press Association.] 1 WELLINGTON, August 19.. The rise in the price of beer and the abolition of house “shouting,” together with the boycott of the hotels | by sections of the organised workers,! is apparently adversely affecting patronage It was quite noticeable last night, Friday being usually a good night. In one bar the clients were mostly members of the white collar brigade. One of the barmen, drawn into one of the many discussions going on, said he did riot think the announcement or the outbreak of war would have caused more discussion in the bars. On Tuesday, when it became known that beer was to be dearer and “shouting” was to go, the announcement burst like a bombshell, he said. NO MINISTERIAL INTERVENTION BUSINESS OF PRICE TRIBUNAL [From Ocr Parliamentary Hepoeteh.] WELLINGTON, August 19. Ministerial intervention was : noli needed when beer prices were raised was a point stressed by Mr Sullivan, Minister of Industries arid Commerce, when the controversy ’ over the subject was brought to his notice this morning and his attention called to the fact that in the original announcement regarding, the price tribunal, the list of commodities to be covered by its operations included alcoholic beverages. The Minister explained that the requirement of the law was that, if the price of a commodity was raised, this had to he notified to the authorities. It was then the duty of the tribunal to. consider whether the increase could be justified, and in important cases is would-hold'-a judicial inquiry, when it had the right to call interested parties to ascertain the relevant facts, including costs, and submit witnesses to crossexamination regarding the whole position. „ “There have been numerous cases, • added Mr Sullivan, “ where prices hays been reduced following examination of the position by the price tribunal. I have no doubt it will follow the normal procedure which I have indicated m connection with this matter.