COST OF LIVING.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15869, 7 April 1917, Page 5

COST OF LIVING.

A DECREASE FOR'FEBRUARI

Cost of living statistics for February of this year record a decrease for tho three food groups of 13 points (or about 1 per cent.) as compared with January (•says the "Wellington "Post"). As compared with February, 1916, however, the judex number has advanced by 103 points, or about 8 per cent. The downward movement in comparison with January is accounted for by a large decrease of 6-j points in grocery prices, mainly brought about by a fall in tho price of onions and potatoes. Gisborao and Aloxandra are the only towns to show an advance in this group, whilo Wauganui remains at its former lovol. In dairy produce prices continue to advance, the average increaso for the month being 23 points or 2 per cent. All towns, with the exception of .Nelson, show a marked increase in the price of egrjs, while cheese and bacon also contribute to a considerable extent. Tim Dominion averago for meat is 27 points above tho iiguro for January. The most noticeable increases are in Whangarei (150 points), Nelson (98), Auckland (08), and Grey.mouth (6-1). nil being duo to an allround increase in beef and mutton. To a lesser extent, Duhedin, "Wanganui, Timaru, and _ Wellington have also increased. _ W hen all three food groups are considered, Gisborno is still tho dearest town in the Dominion, while Timaru displaces Nelson as the cheapest.