The Waimate Advertiser. (Established 1898). Published every evening since 1914 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY’ 23, 1929. WHY A RETAILERS' ASSOCIATION?

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 23 January 1929, Page 4

The Waimate Advertiser. (Established 1898). Published every evening since 1914 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY’ 23, 1929. WHY A RETAILERS' ASSOCIATION?

The meeting of retailers which, at their request, His Worship the Mayor is calling for Monday next io consider the formation of an association to protect the interests of retailers may to some appear quite unnecessary at first sight. A little tho’ught, will, we think, show that both in the interests of the traders and of their clients the time is overdue for the creation of an association which shall cheek some of the practices which have gained a footing in business to the detriment of legitimate trading, and, in the end, to the cost of the honest purchaser of goods. At the moment the question which has given an impetus to the movement towards forming such an association is that of the weekly half-holiday. In this matter it would be very easy for calamity to result to the interests of retailers, and such calamity only met with a check by the united action of a number of retailers who had foresignt to see the danger coming and energy to take action to avert it. The matter of holidays is one in which Borough Councillors will welcome the advent of an interested combination. It is felt at the Council table that wnen requests for the announcing of certain days as holidays are before the Council it is a difficult matter for men the majority of whom are not in business, to decide. The .retailers themselves arc properly the ones who should say when they will or will not close for non-statutory holidays, and if it can be brought about that the retailers shall speak authoritatively through an association it will be appreciated in many quarters. Retailers make losses in bad debts which may be appreciably lessened in united action. The man who deliberately obtains goods with no intention of paying for them would find his piracy checked, if his character were known to all traders and not only to each in turn as each is exploited. The itinerant trader trouble is rightly one for discussion by retailers themselves, and theirs it is to find a solution, which may more readily be arrived at in association conference. Other matters of common interest suggest themselves and, carefully considered, lead the thoughtful to discern not only good forthcoming for the trader, but also such a change in conditions as shall be for the benefit of the honest clients, who, though in the large majority, are adversely affected indirectly when retailers are harassed and defrauded.