COST OF LIVING

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 201, 20 May 1920, Page 5

COST OF LIVING

INCREASE IN UNITED KINGDOM

HIGH LEVEL OF FOOD PRICES

PREDICTED

(By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright

London, May 17. The "Labour Gazette" states tbat retail prices, including those of food, clothing, fuel, light, and rent, were on May 1 about 111 per cent, abovo those of July, 1914.

The Food Controller's statistics relating to food show an increase of 146 per cent. He states that in the United Kingdom food prices have risen less than in France, Italy, or Sweden, and not much more than in the United States. Tlie present level is undoubtedly a matter for serious concern. Prices in tho coming season will reach a very high level, owing to the cost of importable food, the partial removal of tho bread subsidy, and the increased price of sugar and potatoes.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reu-tor. CONSIDERABLE REDUCTION IN UNITED STATES GREAT CUT IN PRICES OP MERCHANDISE. (Rec. May 20, 0.5 a.m.) New York, May 17. Thirty-four cities throughout the country report prico cutting to the extent of 20 to 50 per cent, of all merchandise, even including automobiles, resulting in a considerable reduction in the cost of living. Freight congestion, tight money, and lessened buying are assigned as the causes for this reduction.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.