Fixed by Regulation

Samoan Prices

Prom Our Own Correspondent APIA, March 7.

THE newly-established Price Tribunal of Western Samoa announced on Feb ruary 1 that as from February 15, 1943, the prices at which all goods not previously mentioned in price-fixing orders could be sold to the public, would be fixed at 30 per cent, above landed cost. The prices of goods fixed previously (mainly foodstuffs) should, however, remain so fixed.

Generally, the new order is welcomed by the purchasing public, although in cer tain lines—particularly drapery—it is con sidered a hardship by merchants and traders. It is considered unnecessarily narrow-minded, also, in that it fixes the prices down to fractions of a penny. The Samoan has a well-known objection to accepting or handling copper coins, and even in German times the sixpence was practically the smallest coin used. Apart from this, there is the difficulty of main taining a sufficient circulation of copper coins, especially in country districts.

The basis on which the price of goods (other than foodstuffs and certain groceries) was fixed prior to this new re gulation, was the percentage of profit made on the same class of goods prior to the outbreak of war (September, 1939).

As at that time Apia firms made an average profit of about 50 per cent, on drapery and hardware lines, the margin of profit allowed under the new order, is appreciably smaller than that of the pre war period.

In addition to fixing the price of mer chandise sold in stores and trading stations in the Territory, the Price Tri bunal has also fixed the selling price of ice (ranging from 6d. for a 5-lb. block to 3/- for a 50-lb. block), for fresh meats (from 7d. to 1/3 per pound), for fresh milk drinks (12 oz. at 6d.), and local soft drinks (9d. per bottle).

The Food Controller has issued instruc tions, also, that no cattle are to be slaughtered for consumption without a special permit being obtained from him.

Mr. Alex C. Rentoul has been engaged by the High Commissioner of the West ern Pacific (British) to act as a District Agent in the New Hebrides for the dura tion of the war. It is an extraordinary thing that the Australian Military Ad ministration was unable to use this well known and experienced officer in New Guinea. He was a Resident Magistrate (Grade I) in Papua when the Civil Administration was suspended.