FISH PRICES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25866, 9 June 1945, Page 6

FISH PRICES

“EQUITABLE ORDER" STATEMENT BY TRIBUNAL REASONS FOR REDUCTION (PA.) WELLINGTON. June 8. “The fish price orders for Christchurch, Dunedin, and Oamaru were issued after long discussions with the fishermen and the fish vendors and after a full investigation of all the factors involved,” states the Price Tribunal which adds that general complaints about the high price of fish had been expressed by Dunedin and Christchurch consumers in the last two years. Through the operation of the auction system, prices had been in strong contrast with the much lower prices ruling in Auckland and Wellington, where fish had been subject to price orders for some time, the statement adds. The system, with northern prices much lower than the southern ones, was absolutely artificial, and the South Island price orders now rectified this situation, restoring the prices for all concerned —fishermen, vendors, and consumers —to reasonable and equitable levels.

Retailers’ Margin

The retailers’ 50 per cent, margin was the same as that allowed in Auckland and Wellington, while the fishermen’s prices under the new price orders were also in line with those received by fishermen working under the Auckland and Wellington fish price orders, the tribunal said. The variations could be explained in terms of the differences in local conditions. Supporting its statement that the retail prices have been unwarrantably high in the past, the tribunal says that in the middle of May groper cutlets were being sold in Christchurch at 2s 6d a lb, which was twice the Auckland price, and in Dunedin at 2s a lb, which was half as much again as the Auckland level. Fishermen’s prices as now defined were higher them the pre-war prices by the same percentage, for example, as had been allowed in Wellington to offset the war-time increases in' costs. The all-the-year-round maximums defined in the price order, the tribunal said, would give fishermen lower prices than under the abnormal conditions existing for some time past, but, compared with the returns received by fishermen in normal times and taking the year as a whole, they were fair. If evidence could be produced to show that any part of the price order was unjust to the parties concerned, the tribunal would amend the order in the light of that evidence, the statement. concluded. Support for Minister The Minister of Supply, Mr D. G. Sullivan, has received a letter from the Canterbury Trades Council, congratulating the Price Tribunal on fixing the prices of fish to the consumer. The letter says that the reduction will mean much to many working class families. A letter received by the Minister from the Otago Labour Representation Committee states that it is recommending the fishermen to recommence work immediately. At a largely attended meeting of the Otago Labour Representation Committee on Thursday evening the following resolution was carried unanimously: “That this meeting commends the Government on its action in reference to the Price Tribunal’s attitude regarding the regulation of fish prices. The meeting fully endorses such action and also urges the fishermen to resume operations in the interests of the public.’’