PRICE ORDER BREACHES

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22661, 14 July 1945, Page 4

PRICE ORDER BREACHES

KAWHIA STOREKEEPERS FINED Fines totalling £67 for breaches of the price regulations were imposed in the Magistrate's Court, Kawhia, on Thursday, by Mr W. H. Freeman, S.M. A storekeeper, G. G. Jonathan, was fined a total of £3O for three breaches and £2 for failing to display a price order. The storekeeping firm of Oldbury and Company was also fined a total of £3O, plus £5 for failing to display a price order, this being the firm’s second offence for faiiuro to display a price orde* Mr H. T. Gillies (Hamilton) prosecuted for the department, and evidence was given by an inspector, Mr J. Littlejohn, of visits he had made to the Kawhia stores. He said he found several articles in both shops priced too high, and dockets inspected confirmed the sales. The magistrate, in recording convictions, pointed out that in isolated centres like Kawhia the traders were more or less placed on their honour to maintain the fixed prices, because •customers who might be dissatisfied could not take their custom elsewhere. Further, it was not often that an inspector could visit Kawhia to check prices. Both defendants admitted the charges, and Jonathan said his memory was not too good. He had tried to keep track of the amending prices, and if he had committed a breach it was accidental. The magistrate said he could not accept the excuse. There was a responsibility on all store-keepers, and if they failed they must accept the penalties provided.