FOOD PRICE INDEX

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28270, 7 May 1957, Page 10

FOOD PRICE INDEX

Egg Increases Major Item

The increase of Is a dozen in the price of eggs was responsible for most of the 20-point rise (1.9 per cent.) in the all-food index during April, according to figures released by the Department of Statistics.

“The increase may be attributed almost entirely to eggs, which rose in price by 6d a dozen on April 1 and again by 6d a dozen on April 15, a sharper movement than normal.” said the department.

Meat prices showed a decided rise, and moved the all-food index up three points. Dearer biscuits and honey, and the change to winter milk prices in some South Island towns, added another 2J points. Dearer eggs pushed the fruit, vegetable and egg sub-group up most of the 56 points by which it increased during the month. A fractional increase in potato prices was balanced by a drop in onion prices.

Prices in 1955 equal 1000 in the index. At that period food represented 32.26 per cent, of the total expenditure covered by the consumers’ price index. The allgroups index is compiled quarterly.

Christchurch prices (all-foods) show an increase of 22 points during April to 1048—only one point higher than in April last year.

Over the 12 months, Auckland prices have increased by 14 points (to 1045). Wellington by 18 points (to 1042), and Dunedin by nine points (to 1053).

Timaru and Greymouth prices increased by one point over the 12 months, while prices in Ashburton dropped by five points. The national increase over the 12 months was 13 points.