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EXTREME CONCERN

TRADING_ RIGHTS . MONOPOLY ASSAILED STATE-HOUSE AREAS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 30. In a statement issued to-day by Mr. G. L. Riley, secretary of the New Zealand Retailers’ Federation, extreme concern was expressed with regard to the announcement released by the Government in respect to its policy concerning exclusive trading rights to co-operativcs in State housing settlements. The statement continues: "This matter is one which previously has been brought to the notice of the Government by the federation, and is the subject of remits for the consideration of delegates at a forthcoming conference of the federation to be held during next month. However, the following points are immediately apparent:— Standard of Service “Any undertaking confident of giving efficient and satisfactory service to the public should not need to seek a monopoly backed by the Government. It is obvious that the co-operative movement is not satisfied that it can stand on its own feet on meeting competition, and it therefore follows that, under a monopoly, the consuming public will not obtain the high standard of service and selection of goods they would obtain if individual traders, under the spur of competition, were established in such areas. “It is surprising to note that this statement should come from the Minister of Rehabilitation, Mr. C. F. Skinner, who. should be in a position to know that’ numerous returned servicemen are looking for just such an opening to commence business on their own account and not as employees. Chance For Ex-Servicemen “A young man commencing business in a newly built-up area is not faced with the necessity of laying out his capital in purchasing the goodwill of an existing business, and State housing settlements are eminently suitable for such ventures.

“The federation, while recognising Ihc rights of residents to support a cooperative movement, at the same time contends that individual traders should have the opportunity to compete on an equal footing. “It is feared that this is the forerunner of a policy which will eventually strike at the existence of all privately-owned businesses. In view of the wide ramifications of this move, a full statement of the federation’s attitude will be made after due consideration by delegates from all parts of New Zealand attending the conference.”

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/GISH19470130.2.107

Bibliographic details

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22242, 30 January 1947, Page 6

Word Count
372

EXTREME CONCERN Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22242, 30 January 1947, Page 6

EXTREME CONCERN Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22242, 30 January 1947, Page 6