The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1908. CASH VERSUS CREDIT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2167, 16 April 1908, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1908. CASH VERSUS CREDIT.

From the interviews which are published in this issue it is evident that tlioso tradesmen who havo embarked upon what is termed the cash system havo every reason to be satisfied with the experiment as far a 6 :it has gone. Since January Ist the local bakers have been receiving a fair price for their bread, and havo transacted their business with little bookkeeping, and no bad debts, and it is only natural that tliis near approach to the elysium of trading should have attracted the envious attention of their fellow traders in other parts of the Dominion. When the system was first inaugurated wo expressed the hope that it would prove permanently successful, as it would undoubtedly bo for tho general good of the community were retail business conducted on a purely cash basis, but wo also pointed out somo of the obstacles to making such a hard and fast rule as that laid down by the local bakers. Wo pointed out that real hardship might very unjustly be caused in somo exceptional instances if the rulo of “no cash no bread” were rigidly enforced, and it is gratifying to noto that tbo bakors havo seen the wisdom of allowing some reasonable latitude in the working of tho new plan. Whether it will bo possible for theso tradesmen to continue the policy of making a reasonable concession to a good customer without gradually drifting back to tho old credit system - remains to be seon. At tho outsot .wo expressed a doubt on this point, but considered that if the cash movement only lasted long enough to placo the local credit system, which had been grossly abused, on something like a sound footing, tho labors of those who initiated it would not havo been in vain. After ail, the life of the cash trading method is ontiroly dependent upon the strength of the unity existing between tho local bakers subject only to tho possible incursions of -outsiders. So long as they stick together they can impose whatever restrictions they choose upon the customers, always remembering, however, that the insistence upon unreasonable . ■ conditions would simply havo tho effect of lessening consumption and ftf bringing in outside competition. In this respect it may nob be out of place to mention that the Masterton bakers, in deciding to follow tho Gisborno lead, havo agreed to mako a special discount to those purchasing coupons. This, it seems to us, is an aspect of tho position that might well bo considered by the local Bakers Association. At present there is no inducement for the housewife to virtually pay Un account in advance by purchasing cflupons. If, for instance, 10 coupons wero equal to the purchaso of 11 loaves, it is probable that a large proportion of the public would make use of the coupons, and instead of feeling that they Were the victims of an autocratic combination, would look upon the scheme as a real encouragement to thrift, and would be included amongst its warmest supporters. The public may, for the time being, appear to be at tho mercy of the tradesmen who have formulated the new conditions, but it must not- be overlooked by those interested that it is only by. a careful consideration of the interests of their patrons that these conditions* can be permanently imposed- • |

A Press Association telegram says tlu> Appeal Court has adjourned until the 27th inst.

Holiday oxcursion fares will bo issued by the Railway Department from to-day, April- 16th, to Monday, April 20th. All offertories at tlio services in tho Anglican Churches throughout tho Diocese of Waiapu on Easter Sunday will be given to the respective vicars as an “Easter gift.”

Messrs. Charles Gray and Thomas Holden -word nominated yesterday for tho vacancy on tho Cook County Council, Waimata Riding. A jpoll will bo taken on Wednesday, the 22nd inst.

In connection with tho recently reported theft of snddles during tho progress of tlio To Arai bachelors’ ball, it is now stated that a number of them were found tho following morning in a willow-trco outside the hall, where they had evidently been placed by some practical joker.

In connection with the sorics of lectures on tlio Second Advent, which are 'being given by the Rev. W. Lamb, in the Baptist Tabernacle, tho subject last evening was “Tho Great Tribulation.” There was a fair attendance, and tho lecturer dealt ably with his subject, which was illustrated by means of a colored diagram. A number of questions were put to tho lecturer at the close, and were satisfactorily answered.

In connection with tho recent death, whilst bushfelling at Arowhana, _of Herbert Underline, a belt containing 58 sovereigns was found in deceased’s bunk by Harry Parker one of his mates. The money was forwarded by mail yesterday to Mr. B. Taylor, Whatatutu, who at once telephoned tlio police, and it is expected they will take charge ( of it until deceased’s relatives''can be'communicated with.

A sharp shock of earthquake, lasting about twelve seconds, was experienced in town last evening at 6.43 p.m., -tho direction being east to west. Doors rattled and windows shook, and many residents left their houses until the shock had passed. Beyond causing a slight alarm, however, no damage was done. In the country the shock was more severe. At Whatatutu soveral bottles in the hotel bar were shaken off tho shelves, and various articles ill Mr. Taylor’s store wero thrown to the floor.

A spocial meeting will bo held at tho Salvation Army Barracks this evening. Twelve members ot tho local corns will each receive a presentation from Commissioner McKio. as a reward for having collected over £o towards tho self-denial fund. A miscellaneous musical -programme will be •uven, and an enjoyable evening is anticipated. The Army intends to hold a nicnic on Easter Monday, details of* which will bo announced by Adjutant Dickens.

The mailman from Arowhana to Whatatutu had a rough experience vesterday. liis route lay along the Waipaoa river bed, and at one ot tho crossings, of which there aro over seventy, his horse fell and threw him, and lie had to wado several crossings before he could recapture the animal. His anxiety was heightened by the fact that his mail included the sum of £SB, the property of the late H. Underline, which was being forwarded to Whatatutu.

A meeting of directors of the Lynda Soapmaking and Trading Company, Ltd., was held in tho office of the newlv-appointed secretary, Mr. L. xi. O’Meara last night. During tlio meeting it was stated that the company s buildings and plant-are at present totally inadequate to cope with the de mands which are being made on the manufacturing staff. It was unanimously decided that an active canvass ho commenced at once, with the o t>met of having all the available shares allotted at the- earliest possible date.

The funeral of tho late Mr. Bert Robb took place yesterday afternoon. Tho cortego left the hospital at 2.40 .p.m., and upon arrival at the cemetery were met by -a firing party, consisting of twelve of the members of the Gisborne Rifles, under Captain \ (j Beere. Rev. Win. Grant conducted the service at the graveside, and the impressive service ot the foresters’ order was read by Mr. W. L. File. Members of the Gisborne Rifles, the Foresters Lodge, and the employees of the 'Post Office acted as pall-bearers. Tho firing party fired three volleys over the grave, and the bugler sounded the “Last Post. A large number of beautiful wreaths were received from relatives and friends of the deceased. *

Special services will be held in Holy Trinity Church to-morrow (Good fnday). "At 11 o’clock Mr. W. H. Powell will preach. At 3 o clock, at the Special Family Service, tho llev. JJW. Chattertou will deliver a special address to young people. The Vicar invites all parents to bring their children to this service; adults generally are also invited. At the 7 oclock service tlio Vicar ot Gisborne will occupy the pulpit. At all services the choir will sing special Passion hymns and music: and at the eveumg service will sing Sir J, Stainer’s beautiful “Story of the Cross,” All residents in tlio district who desire to observe the sacred character of Good Friday aro warmly invited to any oi the services. All necessary books will be provided. All young people m the district-, whether attending the Sunday School or not. are invited to the afternoon service. The \ icar specially invites strangers and all who are visiting the district- for the holidays. Tho church will he decorated for Easter on Saturday afternoon at 3 o’clock, and gifts of white flowers, and also toi-toi or pampas plumes, are invited. Personal help will also ho very welcome.

From the time I first saw you my heart -has sighed for the opportunity that Leap Year affords a lovesick maiden. I now claim the privilege, and offer you my whole heart, that has long sighed and bled for you. If vou accept me- I shall be the happiest woman on earth; but if you re fuse, may your eyelashes mat and obscure all other girls from your sight-; may all your teeth fall out, and your chickens all die with croup. This‘week it’s Bread Knives at 8d at Parnell’s Ironmongery.