PRICE-FIXING CRITICISED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17483, 29 May 1920, Page 6

PRICE-FIXING CRITICISED.

' OBJECTIONS BY FARMERS.

, Price-fixing ( and the imposition of restrictions on the export of primary products by the Government were discussed yesterday at the provincial conference of the Farmers' Union. Remits were introduced protesting against embargoes and price-fixing, and particularly against the Board of Trade being required to go outside its proper functions and interfere with prices or the distribution and sale of commodities. It was contended that the results of" such action were always harmful, and generally failed to prevent higb> prices, excent when dealing with the produce of the land. It was stated that the most effective remedies for profiteering were increased production, decreased consumption, and the removal as far as possible of restrictions on overseas commerce.

Captain F. Colbeck referred to the Government's activities in regard to fixirig prices of sugar, wheat, and hides, and the distribution of benzine, and claimed that better results would have been achieved had the Government riot interfered in the matter.

Mr. A. E. Harding said that the owner of a power-boat on the Wairoa River applied for a supply of benzine, and was told that he could procure it if he went to Helensville. He requested that it be sent to" him by steamer, as a large quantity of benzine would be consumed by him making a launch trip to Helensville. This request was refused, and the motor-boats engaged in fishing on the Wairoa could only obtain benzine at Helensville. Another speaker asserted that in his district when the control of benzine distribution was inaugurated the price of benzine immediately increased by os a case. The man who was appointed distributing Agent stated that he could have continued selling it at the original price. Mr. A. A. Ross said it was easy for the Board of Trade to keep down the prices of farm products. This had been effected in the case of hides, potatoes, butter, and other commodities, but benzine prices hai continued to increaseThe remit was adopted unanimously.