The Price Of Beer

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 October 1947, Page 2

The Price Of Beer

Sir, —As you are aware, I am the only publican in Greymouth to retain the 6d charge for beer. In view of some unfavourable comments in certain quarters on my action, I wish to state the reason for my attitude. For some time I have opposed repeated attempts to raise the price of beer to 7d. Finally, when the document signed by the other publicans was placed before me, I signed it, but on the same afternoon —and I must emphasise this —I telephoned the secretary, Mr Johnstone, and told him to cross my name out, as I still intended to charge 6d. When the sign stating that beer would be 7d was brought to me, I tore it up and burned it, and did not attend the final meeting of the association. I have always believed that a reasonable margin of profit can be made from the 6d charge, and I am as determined now to retain it as I have been in past years. Before the Licensed Victuallers’ Association made its decision, it was aware of my attitude. —Yours, etc., P. KEATING. Greymouth, Oct. 3.