WAR-TIME LIVING

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 2, 27 September 1918, Page 6

WAR-TIME LIVING

THE WORLD-WIDE RISE

LEAST INCREASE IN AUSTRALIA

A statement has been prepared by the Government Statistician (Mr. Malcolm Eraser) showing—(a) the war increases in the retail prices of food in various countries as set out in official publications, and (b) tlie increase or decrease in house rents in New Zealand during the war. Mr. Eraser states that in Australia and Now Zealand approximately food represents 35 to 40 per cent, of the total family expenditure, and rent 15 to 20 per cent. He further says:—"lt will be understood that an inquiry dealing with food and rent covers probably 60 to 60 per cent, of the expenditure of the working population. From July, 1914, to July, 1918, the retail food prices in New Zealand advanced by 39.35 per cent. During approximately the same period the Dominion weighted average of rent decreased by 1.51 per cent. The food prices and the rent combined show a weighted increase of 24.66 per cent, during the war (to July, 1918)." Tlhe following statement gives tho percentage increase in cost of living (retail food prices) since' the beginning of tho war in various countries, as shown by official publications:—• From Per July, 1914 cent. to Country, increase. March, 1918 Norway 195 August, 1917 Austria 173 April, JL9IB Sweden 147 October, 1916 Germany 109 June, 1918 United, Kingdom 108 March, 1918 Switzerland 96 January, 1918 France 91 September, 1917 Italy v 88 July, 1917 . Netherlands 81 June, 1918 Canada. 72 July, 1917 fapan 66 April, 1918 ' United States 50 July, 1918' New Zealand 39 July, 1918 Australia . 31