A “CUT” IN AERATED WATERS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 946, 23 April 1908, Page 21

A “CUT” IN AERATED WATERS.

The reason why we never get “soft” drinks at less than a certain well-estab-lished minimum price is now patent. For several years the aerated water manufacturers of the city have worked together in harmony, and made their charges with exact uniformity, but in connection with the contract for supplying aerated waters to Wellington Hospital there was recently a break away from the combine, with the result that a letter of protest was sent to the Trustees by a firm which failed to get its usual share of the orders. The firm pointed out that members of the Aerated Water Manufacturers’ Association had agreed to tender at the same price for Hospital supplies, and the firm was rather surprised to find that the Trustees had extended their patronage to one firm only. “If it has been a question of •cutting prices,” concluded the letter, ' it

would have been a very mean action on the part of any one firm, after having pledged themselves to a certain price, to cut without the knowledge of the other interested parties.” The communication caused some amusement among the Trustees. It was explained by the Hon. C. M. Luke (chairman) that for four years all the manufacturers pad tendered at the same rates, and the orders were distributed. Any quarrel they might have in their own association had nothing to do with the Trustees. He jocularly added, as a suggestion for Mr Pearce, a fellow-Trustee. that if he could manage the Timber Association in the same way he would do great service. It was decided to reply informing the protesting manufacturer that the lowest tender was accepted.—“N.Z. Times.”