TRADE FALLS OFF.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 818, 19 July 1933, Page 5

TRADE FALLS OFF.

Effect of Distributions for Relief. POSITION IN NEW BRIGHTON. A representative meeting of New Brighton business people was held tn the Borough Council Chambers last evening to try to find means of combating the decrease of trade caused by the distribution of goods from Christchurch to local relief workers. The Mayor (Mr E. A. M. Leaver) presided. Mr R. E. Holloway, the convener, said New Brighton tradespeople were in sympathy with the unemployed. The goods supplied to the unemployed were purchased outside the borough and the tradespeople were feeling the effect keenly and thought that the goods should be purchased in the borough, provided the prices were right. Otherwise, many of the local shops would have to close and their ] staffs join the ranks of the unemplov- j ed. Mr E. J. Hill said that the butchers j in Xew Brighton were much* affected, j If the meat was purchased from them at cost, plus freight, less the value of J the skin, the turnover would help to keep the shops open. The coal dealers. Mr E. Smith said, were badly hit by coal being delivered from the Christchurch depot. The carriers were likewise affected. Representatives of other trades spoke on similar lines and suggested that the goods should be purchased, if possible, from them for distribution to relief workers. On the motion of Mr E. Smith, seconded by Mr T. E. Thomson, Messrs T. Cooke and E. J. Hill and Mrs M. E. Clarke were appointed a deputation to wait on the Business Men’s Committee, explain the position of the local tradespeople and endeavour to come to some arrangement to overcome the present difficulties.