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Ist June, 1936. In cases, however, where a price lower than the current or generally ruling price was being charged on that day, the basic price will be regarded, so far as a particular person or firm is concerned, as being the actual price at which goods were being sold or offered for sale on that day. In other words, the basic price which will be the standard of comparison in relation to present or future prices will in any particular case be the current or actual price, whichever is lower. Prices or rates for services are covered by the Act in a similar manner to the prices of goods. The legislation provides for the setting-up of a tribunal or tribunals for the purpose of determining in any particular cases which may be brought before such tribunal or tribunals whether the price increases are reasonable or unreasonable. In relation to this legislation it may be pointed out that the Government does not say that there must not be an increase in the price of commodities, but it does say definitely that such increases must be reasonable and justifiable. The Government is aiming, through the legislation, at fair play for business people, and it is equally emphatic that the general public shall receive all reasonable protection. PHARMACY INQUIRY. It was announced towards the end of last year that the well-known firm of Boots Ltd., Chemists, intended to commence business in Wellington, and would, presumably, open up a series of multiple shops throughout the Dominion. Representations were made to the then Government by New Zealand chemists asking for State action to restrict the competition of Boots Ltd., and petitions were presented to the House of Representatives praying for protection from the operation of chain and company pharmacy organizations. Boots Ltd. also presented a petition praying that legislation be not enacted to prevent the company of Boots the Chemists (N.Z.), Ltd., from carrying on business in New Zealand, and that they be heard. An arrangement was then made between the Government and representatives of Boots Ltd., whereby that firm would not open up more than two shops pending a full State inquiry into the position. Further petitions were presented to Parliament during the first session of 1936, praying for protective legislation against chain and company pharmacy, these petitions being received from the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand (Inc.), Chemists and Chemists' Assistants, the Wholesale Druggists' Association of New Zealand and their employees, and the Dunedin Retail Chemists' Assistants' Industrial Union of Workers. Parliament decided to refer the matter to a Select Committee of the House, and an Industries and Commerce Committee, representative of both parties in the House of Representatives, with Mr. W. J. Jordan, M.P., as Chairman, was appointed to hold a public inquiry upon the question. After hearing lengthy evidence from many witnesses, the representations of counsel on behalf of the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand, the Wholesale Drug Trade Association of Great Britain, Boots Ltd., and the Friendly Society Dispensaries of New Zealand, and also after a careful examination of the position in regard to the control of pharmacy and drugs in overseas countries, the Committee reported as follows :— (1) That the mass production and manufacturing facilities under the control of Boots the Chemists (N.Z.)., Ltd., enable them to sell at lower prices than the independent chemist: (2) That the evidence submitted to the Committee tended to prove that — (a) That there was considerable disciepancy between the prices charged for dispensing of prescriptions by Boots the Chemists (N.Z.), Ltd., and those charged by the private chemists ; (b) That the prices charged by private chemists were to a considerable extent an unnecessarily heavy burden owing to overhead costs, consequent upon the large number of dispensing establishments in operation, and the Committee is of opinion ; (c) That an adequate service could be provided by a smaller number of dispensing establishments : (3) That steps should be taken to ensure that the community generally will be able to procure pharmaceutical services at the lowest price compatible with quality and reasonable payment for all necessary work in connection with the service. The Committee therefore recommends :— (1) That the organization of chemists' services be regulated by license under the control of the Minister of Industries and Commerce : (2) That the operation of large company pharmacies in New Zealand be not extended for a period of six months in order to enable existing chemists collectively to organize and plan their operations with the object of reducing the present scale of prices to the consumer while at the same time providing an adequate payment for services rendered : (3) That, on the expiry of the specified period, the position be reviewed by the Government, and should it be proved that existing chemists have not organized so as to satisfactorily adjust prices licenses may be issued to such companies and persons as may be determined by the Minister of Industries and Commerce : (4) That all chemists, if "employing assistants, should be required to employ a specified proportion of qualified assistants : (5) That the Government investigate the possibility of the establishment of a National Pharmacy Service. The foregoing report received favourable comment from all the petitioners, and at the present time a special committee appointed by the Pharmaceutical Society is engaged upon the formulation of a

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