CONSUMERS’ INTERESTS.

Evening Star, Issue 23421, 11 November 1939, Page 15

CONSUMERS’ INTERESTS.

TO THE IiDITOIi.

Sir,—There are three letters in tonight’s ‘ Star ’ dealing with this question. In answer to “ Housewife ” I would willingly join the Housewives’ Union, but being a mere man am naturally barred. There is evidently a concensus of opinion in Dunedin that some prices have been advanced in defiance of the law. It is impossible, under present conditions, to stop this. It is open to everyone to refuse to purchase at the advanced prices, and that is the only real remedy, but we are none of us strong enough to take this course. I have a certain amount of sympathy for the retailer who, to retain his custom, must supply the goods and is compelled to pay tho auction price. If the law could be amended in the direction of fixing the wholesale price as at September 1, the position would be met. One letter dealing with the meat prices advances a method which does not seem workable, and a butcher who soils only the best of meat can surely depend on the discerning customer. If housewives will refer to their butchers’ bills for September I regarding the cost of a 41b roast and find what they are paying to-day they might have another squeak coining, as fonrpenco is the utmost that is allowed to he charged extra. I think myself the Housewives’ Union could be better employed than kicking up a dust about tea. That commodify has not gone up; tho Government is fully aware of the stocks held, and to advance the price now would simply play into the hands of those holding stocks. The law of supply and demand has always controlled prices, and it is only the war which has stopped the operation of this system now, and I suppose the. great majority of us are doing a bit of hoarding in a greater or less degree. In conclusion I would say. if prices go too high, give tho article up. Wo should all ho hotter in health if wo drank less lea. We ean all grow more vegetables, and get the necessary acids in a much belter form than buying (bem in a tin. Perhaps the day will come, if meal is

too dear, when we can b:"c ■■ joint of venison from the thousands of deer that are a menace to Ibe country, and perhaps, as we have been putting millions of trout in our rivers, one day we might get one.- 1 am, etc.. Seen Miui’iiv. November 111.