THE C.O.D. SYSTEM

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XX, Issue 149, 13 June 1930, Page 8

THE C.O.D. SYSTEM

The Postal C.O.D. System started in New Zealand in 1923. The first year that it .was iu .operation resulted in a total business being done of £4,200 (not including duty). The year following showed a very, heavy increase, actually £11,615; 1925, also showed a heavy increase, Government returns £31,951; 1926,. £52,308; 1927, slightly over £100,000; 1928, the returns jumped to the huge tq,tal of £154,000, proof positive that New Zealand residents were purchasing all classes of goods at very reasonable prices. In fact it grew at such an alarming rate that New Zealand merchants very strongly objected to the Post Office being used as a collecting agent for Home firms. This was the reason for the cancellation of the postal authorities acting as collecting agents.

HOME FIRMS READY FOR CHANGE.

The huge London firm of Messrs A. W. Gamage and Co., ono of London’s most popular emporiums, have appointed the C.O.D, Importing Co., Ltd., their direct agents for New Zealand. Messrs Gamage’s have built up such a huge business that they are now one of England's leading stores. Their new million pound premises are nearly rcadv for

1 occupation. Messrs William Barrett and Co., Ltd., Northampton, a giant Northampton footwear manufacturing company, have also appointed the C. Importing Co., Lid. as their controlling agents for New Zealand. Other great houses directly associated with the New Zealand company are as follows: —Messrs Remington Cycle Co., Coventry; Royal Fenton Crockery Co., Staffordshire; Messrs S. R. Mitehell, Sheffield (cutlery); Messrs D. D. Mehta. Kashmir, India (furs), etc., etc. The C.O.D. Importing Co., Ltd., was formed in New Zealand for the express purpose of supporting Empire trade, and New Zealand secondary industries, and probably greatest of all to provide a link between the manufacturer and the actual consumer. Thousands of pounds’ worth of goods have already been delivered. Already more than. 2,000 members have joined this company During the past few days a subsidiary company to operate through the whole of Hawke’s Bay is being organised for the purpose of establishing a permanent depot and show-rooms in Hastings. The name of this company will be the Hawke’s Bav C.O.D. Company, Ltd., capital £15,000. Directors (chairman) Mr. D. G. Riddiford (Hastings), Mr. W. J. Lyon (.Hastings), Mr. A. Lean (Hastings), and Mr. A. Bertram Taylor, company manager (Wellington), chairman of directors of the

Mr. W. D. Ayson (Hastings); solicitors, Messrs Logan, Williams and "White (Hastings); auditors, Messrs Rainbow, Hobbs and Nesbitt.

The organising office of the company is 106. Queen Street, Hastings (Hastings Business Bureau). The prospectus of this new company has been filed with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies, Napier. Residents of Hawke’s Bay wilt have the privilege of subscribing to the capital of this company on -a profitsharing basis ‘ besides securing to themselves very special purchasing rates. Seventy-five per cent, of the shareholders in the parent company have already saved far more than the cost of their subscription. The company makes a direct link between the manufacturer and the member consumer, thereby saving the middleman’s profit; for instance genuine Brunswick Electric Panatropes complete with valves delivered to members. price £5O; other firms’ prices, £l5O. Nine-valve “Prince Imperial” Consol all-electric radio sets, three screen grid complete with valves and dynamic speaker, members’ price, £4l 10'-. lowest competitive price £75. Ladies’ first-grade Englishmade crocodile shoes, members’ price 48,'- lowest competitive price 75/-. An Invitation is extended to all Hawke’s Bay residents to call at the office of the Hastings Business Bureau. 106. Ouecn Street. Hastings. - -Ailvt.l '