COST OF LIVING COMMISSION.

West Coast Times, 25 June 1912, Page 4

COST OF LIVING COMMISSION.

THE MERCHANTS’ ASSOCIATION. [feu press association.— nopvßiGEr. 1 AUCKLAND, June 22. John Hall of the firm of T. H. Hall and Co. merchants, stated that a firm of soap and candle manufacturers refused to supply Hall and Co. with its goods because Hall and Co.,s name was not on tho list of merchants supplied by the Merchants’ Association. He could hardly say the firm had been threatened if it did not join the trust, bat there was an atmosphere of compulsion about it, conveying the impression that tho firm would find it liflicnlt to obtain commodities.

YESTERDAY’S PROCEEDINGS AUCKLAND, Juno 24. At the Cost of Living Commission a quantity of evidence was heard. 11. M. Smcaton, general grocer, announced that he had come before the Commission in answer to a summons. He .added: “I have no evidence to offer.” Chairman: "That is for us to decide. Have you any reasons to .offer for your refusal?” Witness: "1 have been advised on the matter. However, I have here a price list of groceries covering the last 15 years. This was handed in, and Mr. Smcaton was informed-that as to bis refusal, the Commission would 1)0 advised in the matter later.

Arthur Rosser, secretary of the Grocers’ and Dairying Emplc/ydcs’ Unions, in (lie course of his evidence said it was common knowledge that in regard to tho grocery business, there was a ring which controlled the prices.