THE FIXING OF PRICES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19773, 22 February 1927, Page 7

THE FIXING OF PRICES

A GOVERNMENT INQUIRY PROPRIETARY ARTICLES’ TRADE ASSOCIATION!!. I Per Press Association. J WELLINGTON, Feb. 21. The tribunal appointed by the Government to inquire into tho proposed operations of the Proprietary Articles’ Trade Association (P.A.T.A.), the ob ject of which is to fix prices at which certain articles in common use may be sold, commenced its sittings this morning.

The committee qonsists of Mr B. Montgomery (ex-Comptroller of Customs), Mr W. B. Hayward (manufacturer, of Dunedin), Mr M. J. Reardon (formerly workers’ representative on the Arbitration Court), and Mr J. W. Colline (Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce). After the preliminary address by the Minister of Industries and Commerce (the Hon. A. D. MeLeod) the committee discussed matters preliminary to the hearing of evidence, which was proceeded with later. In his address, Mr McLeod said the Government had laid down a policy of non-inter-ference in business. However, a Government which was concerned with the welfare of all sections of the community would be obliged to interfere in matters where it appeared that the business methods of one section of the community were detrimentally affecting other sections. It had been reported to the Government that it was considered that the PA.TA. ’s operations would be detrimental to certain sections of the community. His Department was not in a position to judge the truth or otherwise of the assertions made against the Association, and consequently the tribunal had been set up. The Department had advised those who were associated with the early formation of the Association that it would probably be necessary to procure evidence on certain points which were being raised, and they had complied with tho suggestion that no move should be made for the registration of the Association pending an inquiry. The Association had pointed out that it was not awa.ro of anything which prevented the formation of a body having the objects they stood for, but it had agreed not to proceed until an investigation took place. “AH the Government desires,” said Mr McLeod, “is a thorough investigation as far as you deem it wise to go. makes no suggestions to you in any way as to what course you should follow. The Board of Trade Art gives you the necessary powers to report impartially to the Government the various findings you may arrive at j according to the evidence submitted.’* In conclusion, the Minister said that in view of the possibility of legislation being necessary next session to give effect to the findings of the committee, he would like to have their re port as soon as possible.