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Globe, Volume VII, Issue 763, 30 November 1876, Page 2

A request has reached us from the bakers of Christchurch to call attention to the notification which appears elsewhere of a still further rise in the price of bread. We do so, but the probability is that our friends will scarcely relish the mode which we think it our duty to adopt in compliance with their request. It is now only a few days since on the plea of a rise in flour the bakers’ ring of Christchurch determined on increasing the price of bread. As all are in the combination the public had no remedy but to submit to the extortion. When, however, we find that not content with having given themselves a very handsome margin after the rise in the price of flour is covered, they go on and seek to screw out another penny , it is time to protest. The avidity with which the least rise in the price of flour is seized upon as a pretext for increasing their demands, and the sublime indifference they exhibit when there is a fall in that article is somewhat remarkable Let flour be as low as possible they never think of a reduction. It is only when some enterprising tradesman, who does not belong to the combination, sells at a low price, that they are forced to do the same. But by-and-bye this tradesman is quietly absorbed into the ring, and the game of a rise in price on every conceivable pretext is carried on right merrily. No one can object to a fair and legitimate increase in price consequent on advance of the raw material; but by means of associating together to force up the price of a necessity of life 2d per 41b loaf, within the space of a few days, is simply extortion, and as such we hope the public will resist it.