Consumer Service does not operate a complaints service. Many complaints are received and, wherever possible, assistance is given, but it would not be practicable to undertake a long investigation of each complaint. If, however, an important point of wide interest or implication is raised, a very detailed investigation is made.

The activities of the Service are not limited to testing, publishing, broadcasting, and answering complaints. One of its most important functions is to bring to the notice of manufacturers, retailers, and the servicing trades that the consumer has rights that cannot be ignored and that there is an active organisation devoted to seeing that these rights are respected. It is important that, whenever matters affecting the interests of consumers are being discussed, the viewpoint of the consumer be clearly presented. This type of work is often carried out by local associations, but at times representations on a national scale are necessary. Significantly, there is a growing tendency for Consumer Service to be consulted by public bodies which are anxious to have the users' point of view represented.

by Brian Newton Davis, M.A., Vicar, St. Philips, Karori West, Wellington and Edward Stewart Dollimore, Research Officer, Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington.