Secretary of National Lozenge Men’s Chamber of Commerce.
A great deal of talk has been roused in lozenge circles by the
formation of the Ginger Cubes Corporation, to manufacture and
distribute a new product called the Ginger Cubes. Mr. Nicholas
Ribstone, the head of the enterprise, while reticent as to details,
admits that he hopes to spring a surprise on the world of bronchial
tablets and breath-perfumers. We understand that the Ginger Cubes,
while more in the general nature of a confection than a medical
preparation, are based on a careful pharmacal formula, and will go
before the public on an appeal at least partly therapeutic.
But what interests us is, that Mr. Ribstone’s venture again brings up
the necessity of standardizing the shape of the medicated sweet, if
lozenge men are ever to get back to genuine prosperity. At present the
lozenge and jujube world is in a state of wild disorder and lack of
intelligent coöperation. Post-war deflation has not been followed by
anything constructive. Lozenge men are cutting one another’s throats
instead of healing the public’s. Mr. Ribstone, unconsciously, has put
his finger on a vital spot in the lozenge industry.
Hitherto the trade has manufactured its products mainly in four shapes:
(1) Square tablet
(2) Round tablet
(3) Spherical
(4) Oval
It will be evident, however, that for close packing and neat
appearance, the cube is undoubtedly an attractive shape. It is well
worth consideration on the part of the trade whether a general adoption
of the cube would not be advantageous. Moreover, a great economy
could be effected by standardizing cartons and containers. How can
the present debilitating fluctuations be ironed out while the whole
industry is proceeding on a basis of mere individualism? We do not wish
to disparage competition, which is the life of trade, but to advocate
a higher form of coöperating competition. The lozenge trade owes it
as a duty to humanity to take its part in the general stabilizing
and soothing movement. The inflamed throat of Commerce can never be
healed until lozenge men get together. There is no reason why the
breath-sweetener clique should be so jealous of the digestive wing,
both suspicious of larynx and bronchial men. We hope that at the
convention in June these matters can be taken up and constructively
dealt with.