COUNTRY STORE PRICES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24325, 15 June 1940, Page 15

COUNTRY STORE PRICES

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—l read with interest mingled with dismay a letter by ’’One for Many ” complaining of the “ profiteering ” by country storekeepers, and would like to pen a few words in defence of these patient and long-suffer-ing individuals. Though not now a resident of a country district, the writer has spent the greater part of his life in the country and has every reason to remember and appreciate the various storekeepers with whom he came in contact, so that it savours of gross ingratitude for a country resident to rush into print with imaginary grievances when we are all surrounded by glaring cases of genuine profiteering which are merely winked at by a Government that takes credit for defending the people from such vicious practices. From my experience 1 would say that storekeeping is only one of the multitudinous duties the unfortunate storekeeper is called upon to perform at all hours of the day and night and seven days a week—very often free, gratis and for nothing. True, he may be rewarded occasionally with a little abuse, but he could probably struggle along without that. He must be general factotum, guide, philosopher and friend to all and sundry. He is required to be a wizard, a magician, and produce on demand anything from a thimble to a traction engine. He must be postmaster, parson, physician and prophet. He must make everyone’s worries his personal responsibility. He must be able to cure mother's headache, father’s backache and the children’s toothache. He must have infinite patience and fortitude, and remember that the customer is

always right, particularly when he requires a box of matches at midnight on credit. He must give absolutely unlimited credit. Any country storekeeper who is unwilling to do this is unworthy of his position and is not living up to the best traditions of country storekeepers. For his customers’ convenience he must make himself an 'authority on, and be able to discuss at length, every subject under the sun, except one. He must never mention money. Amongst well-be-haved country storekeepers that subject simply is not mentioned. No. Sir. if “ One for Many ” wishes to see profiteering in all its aspects —that is, 100 per cent, genuine, firstclass, dyed in the wool, “ all-in ” profiteering—leave the country dwellers’ best friend alone and take a quiet stroll round our wharves during working hours.—l am. etc.. Vigilant. June 13. [Subject to the right of reply by “ One for Many ” this correspondence is closed.—Ed., 0.D.T.l