GROCERS’ CONFERENCE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16379, 12 March 1924, Page 4

GROCERS’ CONFERENCE.

PRESERVATIVES/ AND OTHER SUBJECTS.

(Per Press Association.) , 7 AUCKLAND, last night. the Grocers' Conference %j;he in- 1 creasing use. of preservatives in food was, condemned by Mr. T. Sawyers (Auckland). In discussion ;it was agreed that maiiy foods were too pure or- refined, and that the i grocer ; could help in regulating the condition oi: the food ho sold if the. lii/ccssary powers ■were conferred on him. The executive wits instructed to submit recommendations regarding the registration of grocers.-. *' . , It w’ils ‘‘also decided to inquire how far it would be possible to arrange under the Apprentices’ Act for a systematic training of employees, and to

hold examinations, on results of which proficiency awards would lie made. Several papers on trade matters were read. Mr. McCrostle' (Invercargill) read it paper on “Coupons and Prize Schemes. ’’ He said it would be better for all concerned if goods depended for their sale on incri t alone. The best thing to stimulate trade was to bring down the prices. j Mr. Henderson (president) said the system was eating its way into trade and was pernicious. The consumer had to pay in the end. All the speakers condemned the practice. . \ The conference resolved to make a Strong protest against the whole system, and urge grocers to refuse to sell goods when, the sale involved the use of coupons. It was decided to ascertain, whether the system is a breach of the Trade Consumers’ Act, and if it. is nor an endeavor should be made to make it [so by legislation.