THE BOARD OF TRADE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2018, 3 August 1920, Page 6

THE BOARD OF TRADE.

PROTECTING THE PUBLIC. REVIEW OF ITS ACTIVITIES. Press Association. WELLINGTON, August 3. A summary of the prosecutions on charges of profiteering under Section 32 of the Board of Trade Act is given by Mr W. G. McDonald, chairman of the Board of Trade. The section named provides that every person commits an offence who either, as principal or agent, sells or supplies or offers for sale or supply any goods at a price which is unreasonably high. Mr McDonald says: "Various critics have suggested or insinuated that the board looks for its cases outside the bread and butter lines, and prefers to prosecute comparatively small dealers. The facts prove that this kind of criticism is far from fair." 1 Mr McDonald emphasises the fact that Ihe prices of a number of essential articles, distinctly bread and butter lines, are controlled. The prices are not fixed by the vendors, hut by the State. The board has also interested itself in fixing the prices of milk in various districts. It is closely watching the •retail prices Of meat, and is ready to take effective action if prices are not confined on the basis of the rates of the Imperial purchase. A thorough investigation has been made by the»« board into the prices of wool. As for the prosecutions to date, the board can show that it has done its duty fairly, without fear or favour. Regarding the infants' food case and the alarm clock case, appeals are pending, and further com--ment on those cases must be suspended; in connection with several other cases of alleged profiteering, fines have' been imposed. The prosecutions now pending include charges against dealers in footwear, woollen goods, sugar, milk, benzine, cigarettes and other articles. "Sufficient has been done, and sufficient is being done," said Mr McDonald, "to prove to the public that th£ Board of Trade does not regard the Board of Trade Act as a dead letter."