BREACH OF ACT

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 58, Issue 4103, 21 February 1949, Page 5

BREACH OF ACT

HIGHER BREAD PRICES • ADVICE FROM WELLINGTON NOT SANCTIONED BY TRIBUNAL Any increase in the cost of bread in Paeroa above tribunal prices would constitute an actionable breach of the Control of Prices Act, 1947, and the Price Control Division, Wellington, would take the appropriate action, advised the Director of Price Control, Mr H. L. Wise, in a letter to the Gazette. After perusing the article published in the Gazette of January 26, in which it was stated that Mr D. Leach of Victoria Bakeries Ltd., Paeroa, proposed to increase the price of bread as from March 1, Mr Wise requested that this statement be published in reply. "In my letter published in your paper* on December 22, 1948, it was stated that it was hoped and expected that a decision on the application by tile Thames Valley bakers would be available before the end of December last,” wrote Mr Wisa. " Following a thorough investigation in the area conducted by the division .and subsequent adjudication by the Price Tribunal, notification was sent to the bakers concerned on December 28, setting out the maximum prices which may be charged by them for bread, as follows: — Two pound loaves: Over the counter, cash 6d; booked Bid; delivered, cash Bd, booked Bld. Four pound loaves :• Over the counter, cash Is; booked Is Id; delivered, cash, Is 4d; booked Is sd. “ The ‘ over the counter ’ prices are in conformity with those charged in the adjoining Waikato area, where similar conditions obtain. “ While, to date, no official notification has been received from the Thames Valley Master Bakers’ Association that it is intended to increase the 'over the counter’ prices as from March 1 next, as was reported in your issue of January 28, 1949, it is again stressed that any increase in the prices as set out above constitute an actionable breach of the ‘ Control of Prices Act, 1947 ’ and would accordingly necessitate appropriate action on my part.”— (Signed) H. L. Wise, Director of Price Control. WILL CONTINUE AS PLANNED MR LEACH’S REPLY Mr Leach, when advised of the contents of this letter, replied that he did not propose to alter his plans. “ I would say definitely that before taking this step we had seriously considered the matter and we anticipated prosecution and also that we welcome it. “ When the charge is definitely * heard, the Thames Valley Bakers’ Association would appreciafe the attendance of Mr Wise and the Minister of Industries and Commerce to show a reason’ why we should carry on pur business at a loss. Also, is Mr Wise prepared to prosecute those other towns which have been charging the prices, which we are now asking, for the past ten years? ” Mr Leach added that he had sent a registered letter to the. Price Control Division some time ago in which he advised them of his intentions.