THE COST OF LIVING

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2789, 6 June 1916, Page 6

THE COST OF LIVING

RENT AND FOOD PRICES

FIGURES FROM STATISTICS

Some interesting ligures regarding the cost of living and war prices in Neiv Zealand are contained in the latest monthly abstract ot" statistics issued by the Government Statistician.

Ona table shows the war increases in retail food prices ruling in twenty-five towns in the Dominion on April 15, 1916, us compared with the prices ruling on July 31, 1914, just prior to the outbreak of war. 'I'he increase in groceries was highest at Ashburton, where it is given as 23,9-1 per cent. The other highest percentages were 22.35 at Whangarei, 20.14 in Wellington, ami 20.12 at Palmerston North. The percentage for Auckland was 15.98, in Dunedin it was 13.81, but in Christchurch it was only 9.46, according to the returns. The lowest percentage was 8.62 at Oamaru. The increase in dairy produce was highest at Oamaru, where it was 37.08 per cent,, whilst at Palmerston North it was 30.71 per cent. Invercargill, with 29.85 per cent., and Auckland, with 27.78 per cent., furnish, the next highest percentages. Napier, with 10.39 per cent., showed the smallest increase.

Palmerston. North also headed - the percentage of increase in meat, it being no less than 40.81 per cent, in that town.; Invercargill, with 29.79 per cent., and Dannevirke, with 29.70 per cent., were the nest highest increases. The smallest increase was S.GG per cent, at Greymout'h. whilst Nelson is credited with showing a decrease of 0.70 per cent. Tables dealing with the purchasing power of money in regard to food and rent are also published. One of these shows the amount required in 1914-1915 and in the first quarter of 1916 to' purchase in the four chief centres wliat would have cost 205., in the average of theso four cities in 1909-13. The particulars are as under:— March [ quarter, 1914. 1915. 1916. s. d. s. d. s. d. Auckland 21 8 22 1 22 6J Wellington 23 GJ 24 10J 25 3} Christchurch ... 20 5 21 9 22 2J Dunedin 20 S\ 21 9i 22 1J Average of four cities 21 7 22 7J 23 0£ Another table relating to food value shows the amount required to purchase in each of twenty-five towns during the four quarters of 1915 and the first quarter of 1916 what would have cost 20s. in the average of the four centres in 1900-13. The following figures relate to the four large cities:— March, Sept. March, quarter, quarter, quarter. 1915. 1915. 1916. s. d. s. d. s. d. Auckland 23 7i 24 1J 25 0J Wellington 23 7i 24 G 24 9 Christchurch ... 23 2j 23 4} 24 7J Dunedin 23 10} 23 Si 24 5} The highest figures for the first quarter of this year were 265. 2jd. at Oamaru .and Alexandra. The lowest. was 235. BJd. at Blenheim.