Need For Consumers To Advertise

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 May 1948, Page 7

Need For Consumers To Advertise

PROBLEMS OF PRICES, SHORTAGES, DISCUSSED BY HOUSEWIVES. " 'Consumer News' is not biased; it is not political. It gives the facts, and as far as possible we give the truth,” said Mrs. Lorna McDonald, ot Wellington, to members of the Wanganui Housewives’ Association at a meeting held yesterday In the Y.M.-Y.W.C.A. She said her job is a tie-up between the organisations and “Consumer News,” and they* tried to find a balance between the manufacturer and the consumer.” It was pointed out by the speaker that years ago there was no need for this until the industrial revolution took place. Then the manufacturer had to advertise.

“Advertising sells anything and manufacturers sell their goods by advertising," she said. “As a body the consumers are not organised like the manufacturers. They are pleased to have consumer organisations, like the Housewives Association, as they can discuss things and come to a better understanding. No one cared what women thought years ago. Now, such things as shortages were discussed, such as the egg shortage in Wellington. Today women have to think more of the quality and value of goods and materials, as these do not last like they used to. Materials should not be sold without stating whether all wool, wool and rayon, etc. The consumer has to sit up and take notice of these things.” Mrs. McDonald explained the reasons for the stabilisation of prices and the prices of goods in regard to costs of production. Goods manufactured in New Zealand can be covered by price orders. Sometimes they coVer imported goods as well.

Answering a question as to prices of an article being higher in some shops than in others, the speaker said that landed costs be taken into consideration. For instance, similar goods coming by a different routes took longer in transport end would be slightly dearer. The Standards Institute is doing a good job, she said, and is trying to get a standard size for women's undergarments. It was not reasonable to women that a manufacturer should cut garments according to what he thought was the right size, they should conform to the regulation measurement. In regard to vests instead of s.w., w., and 0.5., a chest measurement is to be arrived at. The regulations regarding preservation of food had been tightened up, and where preservatives are used the goods should be labelled clearly. The question of artificial colouring and the use of nitrates were dealt with. The subject of delivery of bread was mentioned by a member and an article quoted of the matter of the charges wanted by bakers for delivery was now being considered by the Price Tribunal. It was stated that the proposed charge ot Id for a halfloaf, lid for a 21b. loaf, and 3d for a 41b. loaf was ridiculous and would be a great tax on families. After careful calculation the local organisation thought bread could be delivered for 61d per loaf. Mrs. McDonald cited case of a baker In one part of Welliigton who is delivering bread for 6id per loaf, and has asked to put on more vans and now has more business than he can cope with. Other bakers in Lower Hutt are also delivering bread. Bread over the counter in Wellington is 5Jd a 21b. loaf, and 3d the half-loaf On a member referring to the wastage of bread in many homes because members of the family preferred fresh bread, the speaker said they were trying to cover all angles of the wastage of bread. Objection was raised to making a number of holidays on the Monday—such as Monday, June 7, instead of the holiday being on the correct date, June 3. This practice added to the housewives' problems as regards bread and other foods. One member of the audience gave a tip for keeping bread from going mouldy or getting that stale taste. It was put the loaf on an earthenware or china plate before putting it in the tin. A vote of thanks to the speaker was passed by Mrs. Archibald, president, who had introd' ced the speaker and welcomed all present.