THE CONTROL OF PRICES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25659, 6 October 1944, Page 3

THE CONTROL OF PRICES

Sir,—l wish to bring under your notice some examples of the ' erratic methods which the Government adepts in their control of prices. Vegetable marrows were allowed to be sold during the season as low as lid to 2d per lb a price which works out at a dead loss when commission and freight are paid, as well as the cost of growing the marrows. I myself grew a large number, but never again. Of course, the Government gardens could afford to grow these and other lines at the taxpayers’- expense —so much so that quite a number of these institutions are closing down. it would be interesting to see the profit and loss account on these gardens. The Government has even fixed a price for second-hand roofing iron, irrespective of condition, vet mo’or car vendors are allowed to sell used cars much above the new price values. I was in Dunedin 10 days ago, and the proprietor of a garage showed me a very fine car which had done approximately 17,000 miles with one owner: its tvres were perfect, and he was asking £650 for it. The new price of this car is £495. How is this for a sample of black marketing? This is going on every day, and as long as there are fools who will nay these prices and have more money than sense this will continue. It is about time the Government came down on the sale of cars and stopped business like Ibis. I am, etc., Vigilant.