TOBACCONISTS AND CHEMISTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21297, 26 September 1932, Page 13

TOBACCONISTS AND CHEMISTS

Sir, —I notice that toacconist3 are applying to the Government for protection. I am curious to know who should properly bear the name of tobacconist. I suppose those who hand off the shelf a tin of tobacco or a packet of cigarettes. A contrast is here suggested. Take a chemist, lie must be apprenticed for at least three .years, after which he is examined before being allowed to compound medicines. When he opens a business he finds himself opposed by every other shop in the sale of drugs and compounded medicines of every description, which in France no one must soli unless a qualified chemist. The Governments have frequently been asked, since thoy enforce examination, to go a step further and give protection to tho business. This they have refused to do, and on one occasion described it as a close corporation. Perhaps the tobacconists will have better luck, as it is cot fair for customers (in those times) to buy at cheap prices when they should support those who claim their support as tobacconists and naturally expect business at higher prices. Old Chemist.