N.Z. RETAILERS URGE MILITARY TRAINING

Grey River Argus, 23 February 1949, Page 3

N.Z. RETAILERS URGE MILITARY TRAINING

P.A. TIMARU, Feb. 22 The following resolution was carried unanimously, at the conference of the New Zealand Retailers’ Federation here this afternoon: “That, in view of the present unsatisfactory position in international affairs, and of the vital need for the Dominions to play their full part in Commonwealth defence, this federation most strongly urges the Government to put into operation, immediately, a scheme of universal military service, in order that the duty of providing national defence, will be shared by all of the citizens of military age, instead oi being left to a few willing volunteers.”

The following officers were elected President, Mr A. S. Drayton (Christchurch); vice-president, Mr J. A. Stenberg (Auckland); members of the advisory board, Messrs H. G. Fownes, A. L. George, G. J. Living, V. M. Simpson, D. A. Smith, J. A. Yates

On the invitation of the Wellington Association, it was decided to hold the next conference at Chateau Tongariro or at Wairakei.

IMPORTED CROCKERY ADVOCATED

A statement made at the conference said: The public may expect poor quality and high-priced crockery it the Government persists with iLpresent import policy. It is claimed that, by refusing to allow reasonable imports during 1949, the Govemmm nas granted a monopoly to two local manufacturers. Licenses are being granted this year on the basis of 50 per cent., of the 1948 imports, which is the equivalent of 25 per cent., of the 1938 imports on present-day costs. The licenses being granted wiii enable the purchase of eight dozen cups and saucers for every 100 dozen in 1938. MORE IMMIGRANTS URGED A desire for an intensified immigration policy was also expressed by the conference. On the motion of Mr A. L. George, it was resolved to request the Prime Minister to include married couples with children, and also children by themselves, in the age and occupational groups who are being encouraged to emigrate to the Dominion.

MORE LABOUR WANTED The conference expressed concern at what it termed the gradual diminuation of the labour pool, and considered that a revised immigration policy, along the lines it suggested would tend to ease present difficulties.

SHOPLIFTING ON INCREASE Concern at the alarming growth of shoplifting was also expressed by the delegates at to-night’s session. “Firms who detect shop lifters, are, invariably, reluctant to institute proceedings, because of the resultant publicity,” said Mr V. M. Simpson (Wellington). “But if retailers are hot prepared to face up to the question, it is obvious that the menace will increase. If these shop-lifters are to be deterred there must be more prosecutions and heavier penalties.” The conference decided to urge the members to take the most _ serious view of all cases of shop-lilting, and to press lor prosecutions in ail instances.