BUSINESS IN SHARES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20251, 10 May 1929, Page 9

BUSINESS IN SHARES.

PUBLICATION OF FIGURES

SUGGESTION IN AUCKLAND

Tiio committee of tho Auckland Stock Exchange will shortly bo asked to consider the question of issuing figures show ing the volume ot transactions taking

place daily on the sharemarket. It is maintained in many quarters that the regular publication of the quantity of stocks and shares changing hands would stimulate tho interest of investors and provide a valuable source of statistical information, throwing fresh light, on the fluctuations of the local money market. Auckland sharebrokers have for some

time entertained mixed feelings on fho subject. In some quarters a decided disinclination to divulge such figures has been apparent. "I do not want people to know 1 have sold 500 C bank shares

becauso they will probably want to hold off, thinking there are a lot more on offer, and that prices might come down," said one sharebroker. Another section of brokers thinks the effect on public opinion may bo quite the opposite—that a more intelligent attitude regarding in vestments may bo thereby encouraged "I cannot see but that it will be all to the good.'' was a typical comment heard in local financial circles yesterday. Publication ol these figures is now the rule in Christchurch, whose Stock Exchange does probably the most extensive business in New Zealand, and it has been the practice in Melbourne for a considerable time. The system has worked with complete satisfaction. In Wellington the suggestion was made recently that brokers should regularly drop a statement in a ballot-box quoting the number of shares they have handled each week, thus conveying the information anonymously to a Government publication. The voluntary nature of (he proposal has obvious drawbacks and loses much of its force by virtue of the willingness of a great many brokers to approve tho Christchurch and Melbourne procedure.