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TWO EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS ARE SUSTAINED WHEREAS the new computerized check-out system being introduced by our supermarkets; and WHEREAS the shoppers find it difficult to tell what price they are actually paying for a product. until it is rung up on the computer cash register: and WHEREAS we are concerned that this expensive sys- tem will again add extra cost to the consumer: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that an article be printed in Home and Country, asking every Women‘s Institute member in Ontario to write the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Toronto to have this system abolâ€" ished, The request that every Women‘s Institute member write to the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial AlTairs Minister â€" The Hon. Sidney Handleman, 555 Yonge St.. Toronto M4Y 1Y7 comes from an emer- gency resolution sustained at the semi-annual Board Meeting. Computerization The new computerized electronic cash register check out system is called “automated front end" or AFE. With it, food items will bear a label consisting of several vertical lines which the computer can translate. The label will give the name of the manufacturer, product name, item size and so on. According to the “Changing Times“ ~ the Kipler magazine. Feb. 1975 the new system claims the follow- ing benefits: 40% swiftcr service a more detailed grocery receipt less chance of error in a grocery bill cashing of cheques at the supermarket will be faster and less bother because the supermarket computer can store customer cheque authorization for re- trieval at the touch of a button the advantages to the retailers â€" the prime purpose of the system is to bring them savings through greater productivity, better inventory control. im- proved merchandising and reduced labour costs. Some drawbacks: it. The store need not mark prices on each item on the shelves, i.e., unit pricing could be eliminated. The price might be marked on the shelf only. b. The cost of the equipment could be passed on to the consumer resulting in increased price of groceries, C. It will reduce the number of people employed. d, Ifthere is no unit pricing on products it could tend to reduce consumers’ price consciousness. 9933'.” ft. New Deputy Minister Appointed Mr. T. R. Hilliard. Deputy Minister of the Min- istry of Agriculture and Food. retired to accept a spe~ cial assignment relating to world food supply and dis» lribution. Upon completion of this study he will make recommendations to the government on how Ontario can help the third world. Succeeding Mr. Hilliard as Deputy Minister is R. Gordon Bennett. Formerly assistant deputy minister in Marketing and Special Services. Mr. Bennett is no stranger to the Women‘s Institutes having been associ- ated with Agriculture since 1943. it is with sincere pleasure that we welcome Mr. Bennett and wish him well in his new position. WHEREAS the Food Industry in Canada is preparing for Universal Product Coding; and WHEREAS this proposed system in chain stores. su- permarkets and grocery stores will eliminate item pric» ing on individual containers: and WHEREAS under the proposed plan. the consumer is totally dependent upon a shelf sticker. making price comparisons impossible. Also, unscrupulous mer- chants might post a low price on the shelf but program the computer to a higher price at any time during a shopping day; THEREFORE BE lT RESOLVED that the Federated Women‘s institutes ol‘Ontario request the Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs to legislate that all merchandise sold must ltavc the price clearly marked on all items. Palmyra W.l. celebrate 25 years since branch formation. Special guests L-Fl Southwestern Area Prostdoni. Mrs. Geo. Barr and Kent East District President, Mrs. Andrew Smith pose at birthday table with the Branch Secretary Treasurer. Mrs. James Gillard and President, Mrs. Mor- ley Hillman. Living Springs Women's Institute Covencr. Miss Nellie Stickney used a different approach to knowing more about our organization. This was not just an or» dinary exercise on the members“ knowledge of the Handbook. Only the Convener and the President were aware of what was to happen. It took a considerable amount of planning and preparation but proved a most worthwhile learning experience. Alter the opening. minutes. roll call and business. an announcement was made that “there would be u change ol‘ ol’ticers along with an impromptu proâ€" gramme." Everyonc drew ti number which indicated their part on the programme which was as follows: Comments on Motto ~ Why I am proud to be a Canadian: Aims of the first Women's Institute organi- zation; today‘s FWIO objectives: How were the lnsti~ lute colours first chosen: description and origin ol‘ W.l. badge: responsibilities of a W.|. member; panel dis- cussion i should religious studies be part of our cle- nientary school program‘k something I would like in- cluded in next year's programme: Quiz 7 What do you know about your organization? The whole purpose of the meeting was (1) to otTer all members an opportunity to participate {2) to dis- cover hidden talent.