CURRENT COMMENTS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXXII, Issue 2768, 28 August 1931, Page 5

CURRENT COMMENTS.

Paeroa grocers are in the throes of a price-cutting “war.” and many lines are being sold below cost price. Housewives are rejoicing, for whatever the outcome of these “wars” the public certainly scores at the time. * * * The present “war” is but one of a hundred instances. In .Auckland a taxi war is announced, and under the “cut rates” five persons will be able to travel five for 1/6. Cabled from Los Angeles that service stations, after reducing the price of petrol to the amount of the tax, are filling up the tanks of cars free, provided the motorist purchases oil. « >:< * Some years ago two rival drapers, situated alongside each other at Waikino, had a short, sharp, and decisive action. In those days it was customary to erect temporary benches outside shops to display wares, and by a coincidence it occurred that these rivals found that they were both displaying rolls of carpet of the same design and make alongside that of the other. The original price label showed, a difference, and it was natural that a price cutting war should commence. It lasted all day, for as-soon as one label was replaced and the draper had returned to his counter the rival would emerge, see what price he had to cut below. Finally, when both rolls were priced at a few pence per yard and had not been snapped up by a passer by, one of the drapers engaged a man to go to his rival’s shop and purchase the carpet. The war was over, and a few moments later both rolls were displayed in front of the one shop at the morning’s price. ' * * * In 1904 rate cutting was rampant among the trans-Atlantic steamship lines. It was possible to travel from London to New York for £2. Moreover, all manner of attractions were thrown in free. A trip from Grimsby to New York via Hamburg that cost £2 in one case included free rail fare from Liverpool to Grimsby in addition to 36 hours’ board and lodging at Grimsby. For something like £5. it was then possible to make the round trip from England to New York. The trip included 7,000 miles of sea travel, 76 meals, and sleeping accommodation . for nearly three weeks. Indeed, during this ting war the “American Steamship Line” reduced its third class rates between Liverpool and Philadelphia to 30s. But there are examples nearer this Dominion. * * * There has been astounding pricecutting no further away than Australia. During a desperate price war on the 600 mile- sea route between Sydney and .Melbourne, lucky passengers, at one time, were able to make the trip for five shillings, meals included. But that cannot claim to be the record. Possibly the supreme pinnacle of absurdity was attained on the Liverpool-Drogheda route. The two competing steamship companies reduced their fares week by week. In the end one company declared that it would carry passengers for nothing. The other company promptly announced that not only would it carry passengers free, but throw in a free meal and a bottle of beer. The rival company announced next day it would give free meals with a bottle of whisky thrown in!

The existence of one county in New Zealand which has no roads was brought to light at the meeting of the South Island' Motor Union, when in reply to a circular concerning petrol taxation, the Stewart Island County Council wrote stating that as it had no reads it was felt that a neutral attitude should be taken. Possibly the Fiord County Clerk did not reply on behalf of the nineteen other residents in his district, and it is not recorded what reply was received from the Chatham Islands County Council, » * * Not so far away from here there is a county which probably does not worry about road rates and highway subsidies. Great Barrier Island has a total population of but 380. There are several counties in New Zealand with a total population less than or only slightly exceeding that of Ngatea township, viz.: Fiord, 20; Great Barrier, 380; Weber, 430; Mauriceville, 765; Castlepoint, 605; Ashley, 715; Tawera. 780; Mount Herbert, 520; Chatham Islands, 620; and Stewart Island, 670. '