EL—33b

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5. Meat, Gisborne. —Complaint by Gisborne Borough Council as to prices. Inquiry held and report submitted showing prices reasonable. 6. Certain Glass of Tinned, Goods, Auckland. —Complaint by merchants that local price unreasonable as export price lower. Investigation held and witnesses examined. Result: Board reported to you the complaint unfounded. 7. Milk, Wellington. —Complaint by Wellington City Council and others that price of milk unreasonable in Wellington. Board is entering on the inquiry this week. 8. Pork and Bacon. —Complaint that bacon-curers' prices are unreasonable. Inquiry held in Wellington and Wanganui. Result: Investigations still proceeding. 9. Numerous Complaints dealing with High Prices of all Classes of Commodities from various Parts of New Zealand. —These have been dealt with by the Board by correspondence. IV. Inquiry into Post-War Trade with Enemy Countries. This matter was referred to Board by His Excellency the Governor, inquiry opened at Auckland and continued at Gisborne, Wanganui, and New Plymouth, when representatives from the Chambers of Commerce in each place were interviewed and matter discussed. Proceedings were open to the Press. Result : Matter incomplete. V. Inquiry into Pre-War and Present Prices of the Main Commodities of Life. At Auckland, Wanganui, and New Plymouth the Board instituted inquiries into pre-war and present prices of the main commodities of life, including groceries, fuel, clothing, and rent. Result : Inquiry incomplete; investigations pending in other centres. Summary of Practical Results. The Board's work has resulted in the following monetary savings to the public : — £ (a.) Sugar (estimated) ... ... ... ... ... 360,000 (b.) Coal (Auckland), (estimated/ ... ... ... ... 3,000 (c.) Bread (Thames), (estimated) ... ... ... ... 2,000 (d.) Coal'(New Plymouth), (estimated) ... ... ... ... 1,500 (c.) Bread (New Plymouth), (estimated) ... ... ... ... 2,500 In addition the opinion has been freely expressed that the appointment of the Board has had a steadying influence on prices generally. W. G. McDonald, - J. R. Hart, -Members of Board. P. Hally, .1. W. Collins, Secretary. 31st July, 1916.

Approximate Coit oi Papa. —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,000 copies), £1 ss.

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