FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLXII, Issue 15241, 6 January 1943, Page 2

FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

PRICES CAUSE CONCERN. Th© public of Pahiatua is definitely concerned about the marketing of fruit and vegetables in this town. On© well-known businessman interviewed this morning said that fhe excess profit earned in at least two types of business in this town caused all other business houses to be judged alike. During 40 years of residence her© he had not experienced anything like it. Careless sa 1© of a. clothes line could easily involve some retailers t© the extent of a PI.OOO fine, yet just because housewives were reluctant to lay a definite charge .against anyone overcharging them for fruit or another commodity the inconsistency continued and trade was lost to the larger towns On© lady who buys for a substantial household had noticed the disparity in prices between shops but had not made herself sufficiently familiar with price fixation schedules to make any objection with confidence. There must be many ladies in th * same position. “Th© war is merely an excuse, and these people are taking the opportunity to exploit us.” declared another woman. Mr J. M Swain is th© Inspector concerned in Pahiatua. but he is powerless to act unless someone goes to the bother of laying a definite charge and facing the bother entailed therewith. Allegations of window dressing of a doubtful nature are vague, but they certainly persist.