Directors of New Agency Placate Stand Operators

The directors of the central purchasing agency ironed out many of the complaints raised by newsstand operators in an impromptu meeting yesterday afternoon.

Although representatives from only one stand appeared, other operators generally agreed last night that all objections to the new program had been met by promises to rectify the situation from the directors of the agency, Peter Diamadopoulos '52 and John Gianetti '57.

Dustin M. Burke '52, director of Student Employment, also indicated at the meeting that no pressure would be applied to cut off supplies of stand operators who did not desire to participate in the central purchasing plan.

The policy apparently officially opened the way for any operator, if he felt that he could conduct his stand more efficiently without the central agency, to decline participation. Operators will still be subject to the approval of the Master in each House, who could presumably "advise" participation.

Two complaints that were apparently settled at the meeting involved delivery of goods and discounts. A number of misunderstandings were also straightened out, and a committee was proposed to handle further discontent by operators.

Burke intimated in the meeting that the J.P. Manning Co., primary suppliers to the central agency, had agreed to work out a plan to deliver orders directly to the Houses with newsstands. Operators had objected to the inconvenience of transporting goods from the central location in the Law School, since Manning delivered individually last year.

Diamadopoulos and Gianetti also agreed to offer the customary two per cent cash discount to operators for payment of bills within 15 days, although this deduction was not originally available to stand businessmen.

Kekoa D. Kaapu '58, who originated the controversy which led to the meeting, declared last night that unless he were forced to do otherwise, he would continue to operate outside the agency. Other operators were noncommittal.