The Waikato Independent SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1931. ITINERANT TRADERS.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXI, Issue 2449, 7 March 1931, Page 4

The Waikato Independent SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1931. ITINERANT TRADERS.

Although this particular type of justness man is usually to be found on the road, the town has, of late months, .experienced a mild invasion by itinerant traders, who generally have with them a miscellany of goods which they describe as wonderful bargains. More jftcn than not they are bankrupt stocks, or goods, of the cheap-jack variety bought off indent agents, or imported direct. It is no doubt a sign jf the times that this class of trader is with us more frequently at present, .ban during the past few years, there hieing-more scope for him from a buyiig viewpoint. Now this, class of business, and those closely associated with it, have assumed such proportions that they arc having a very .. detrimental effect upon legitimate local trading, and '.! is only natural, that the ordinary business-person in the country towns mould bo very much concerned. The .aattox has been taken up in Cambridge by the Chamber of Commerce, and,we a-c in sympathy with its sugestion to the Borough Council that heavier license fees should be imposed upon those who come under the heading of itinerant thadcrs. Though there are a .few who would have us believe these: traders are beneficial to the community "n that they bring bargain goods into the district, we are of opinion there is justification for the attitude of the Chamber of Commerce. We cannot ifind any argument in favour of support for this type of trader. He comes into the district with a flourish of trumpets and only pays a nominal license fee. He takes away money that should go towards paying the wages of our local workers. Then there is the detrimental effect upon the local business-people who must be protected within reason. The local trader has a real stake in the town and is a valued member of the community besides being an asset to die district. Ho contributes his quota to the municipal revenue in the shape of rates or rent, and in addition has to provide his share for the support of all things that make for the maintenance and progress of the borough and district. He is with us all the year round, md his interests are the interests of the community. It is satisfactory to Vbserve that the subject is viewed in umilar light by the Borough Council. While the by-laws cover tho licensing

of hawkers they do not provide for itinerant traders, but as a result, of the Chamber’s representations, the subject will now be placed before the Council’s legal and finance committee, and we feel sure that the outcome will be a suitable by-law providing for a substantial license fee which will impose some check on this class of trader.