COST OF LIVING.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 25 June 1912, Page 5

COST OF LIVING.

THE COMMISSION IN AUCKLAND

GROCER REFUSES TO GIVE

EVIDENCE,

BT TtoI.EGBAPH— VKV" ARSOPTATION

AUCKLAND, June 24. A quantity of evidence was heard today by the Commissioners.

H. M. Smeeton, general grocer, answered that he had come before the Commission in answer to a summons. He added: cl have no evidence to offer."

_ The chairman: "That is for us to decide. Have you any reasons to offer for your refusal?"

Witness: "I have been advised on the matter. However, I have here a price list of groceries covering at least 15 years."

This was handed in. and Smeeton was advised that as to his refusal t-h1 Commission would be advised in the matter later.

Arthur Rosser, secretary of the Grocers'_ and Dairying Employees' Unions, in the course of evidence, said that it was common knowledge that in regard to the grocery business there was a ring which controlled prices.