The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1918-06-20
RETAIL PRICES
ARE PUT UNDER
SUPERVISION
Federal Food Administration to
Put Agents in All Cities
and Towns
GUARD AGAINST PROFITEERS
Selling Prices of Staple Articles are
to be Standardized by the
Government

Definite measures to limit retail
prices have been announced by Food
Administrator Hebberd, thru the me-
dunn OF standardized "fair price lists"
to be published in county seats and in
towns and cities of $500 population
and over. In such counties food ad-
ministration officials expect TO protect
the consumer from unreasonable price
advances. BY bringing prices to a
uniform level, the food administra-
tion will not only protect the average
buyer, but will also protect the pa
triotic merchant who has followed its
suggestions, from the unscrupulous
dealer who has attempted TO take ad-
vantage of the situation.
In every county and in every town
or city Of more than $500 population
the food administration will establish
price interpreting committees compos-
cd Of representatives Of the merchants,
consumers and the food administra-
tion. This interpreting board will as
certain fair retail prices on the basic
commodities that comprise a large
part Of the peoples diet.
Tradesmen on the boards will be ap-
pointed by the trades and will serve
with representative of the consum-
ing interests, the local food admins
traitor acting as chairman.
Each board will have detailed re-
ports of actual wholesale prices, and
will ascertain fair margins Of profit
that should be made by the retailer
The final fair prices will be widely
published. Newspapers in every city
and county will be asked TO coopertate
setting aside a particular position in
a prominent place on the same day
each week, running the lists with con-
spicuous headlines and interesting
footnotes on the food problem and the
use Of substitutes for the foods most
needed abroad.
Consumers will be asked TO report
10 their food administrators any stores
charging more than the announced
prices. Investigations Of these re-
ports will give the food administra-
hon a basis upon which TO work in
the patriotic dealer from
the profiteer. An indirect control over
The retail stores may be exercised by
cutting off supplies at the souce-in-
licensed dealers TO sever
business relations with the firms which
exact more than reasonable charge,
Retail price reporters are being ap-
pointed in every county. They are
expected to keep close check on the
charges made at the stores and to re-
port to the local administrator all
dealers not keeping within the limits
prescribed in the 'fair price lists"
Wherever investigation shows that
any dealer has charged excessive
prices, the administrator will grant
hearing. If he cannot show just
cause for his failure TO keep within
the prices announced by the interpret
ms boardn, he will be punished.
The food administration believes
that with the operation of this stand
nrdiSed plan thruout the country it
IAN assure the consumers that the
price they pay represents no more
than cost of production, plus reason
able costs and profits of necessary
handlers. 1t has already, thru It's H.
sensing system, put close check upon
the various classes Of retailers and
mas eliminated all classes not per-
forming necessary function in NOV
ng in the shortest possible line and
with the least expense from the farm
N tho fahlo