COUPON TRADING

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20837, 16 July 1942, Page 2

COUPON TRADING

ENFORCING THE LAW ALL STEPS TO BE TAKEN CONTROLLER’S ADDRESS A warning to traders that the Government intended enforcing the rationing regulations, even if- it had to devise some scheme of stricter supervision, was given by the rationing controller, Mi-. J. E. Thomas, when lie addressed a meeting of drapers and allied traders in Gisborne last night. Mr. Thomas congratulated the majority of the retailers on the manner in which they had done their best to comply with the regulations, but for the benefit of those few who had failed in their observance he said that abuses would be severely dealt with. The maximum penalty at. present was a fine of £IOO or three months’ imprisonment for a breach of the regulations, but the Government was prepared to make this penalty much more severe if the traders failed to observe the regulations, while a system of licensing of businesses for the purpose, of coupon trading might have to be devised. That would mean that a trader who had failed to meet his obligations would not be granted' a license. He added that the regulations concerning the rationing scheme were just as important to the country areas as to the cities. He, fully realised that in some instances' certain anomalies would affect country districts and not the cities, and vice versa. Careful Watch Kept A general discussion took place on various phases of the scheme. Mr. Thomas replied that the position was being carefully watched' and that as conditions improved certain reductions in coupon values for various types of commodities would, be effected, or perhaps coupons dispensed with as circumstances' warranted. The greatest difficulty facing, this country at present was the uncertainty of securing manufactured goods for retail consumption due td the enormous contracts, for war purposes. Certain anomalies in, connection with coupon values and' apparel for children and adults were under consideration, and; it was hoped in the near future to ease the position in .that direction. Statements were expected to be made shortly in connection with, supplies to hotels, boardinghouses and. various institutions. He agreed that in all cases of workingmen’s trousers a coupon value of two would be accepted. . Coupons for hosiery were being revised before the X coupons lapsed on July 25. An amended scheme for this type of goods' would, be- mads public at the earliest possible.moment. There was a large; attendance at the meeting, which was presided qver by the president of the'association, Mr. K. R. Waite. Mr. G„ L’l Riley, .securer. tarv- of the New Zealand Federation, of Drapers and Allied Retailers, was. present and dealt with vapous aspects of the trade from the federatioli & point of vie>v.