BREAD AT SD. A LOAF

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 43, 13 June 1938, Page 4

BREAD AT SD. A LOAF

POSITION IN JOHANNESBURG WHEAT SHORTAGE FEARED - JOHANNESBURG, -March 21.—The rise in the cost,of living has been greatly occupying the minds of the Government and people of South Africa,' and an outstanding example of the higher costs is reflected in the price of bread. The Union of South Africa already claims the distinction of having the dearest ' bread .in'the Empire, although it grows its own wheat requirements, imports .being actually prevented. Fears of a shortage this year have led to several advances-in the price of bread, although the official view is that there could be no shortage until next September. Eventually the rising price of flour led the bakers to increase the price of bread, however, and in Johannesburg this^staple foodstuff went up from 7d to Sd per 21b loaf. Women’s associations made very strong protests. The Government also was perturbed and called a conference of millers, bakers and producers to endeavour to find means of avoiding this advance. a The conference hammered out a scheme for “stabilising” the price of bread, the Government viewing the deliberations most- sympathetically, although it is understood: that the proposals will involve a considerable sacrifice in railway revenue on the State owned system by a reduction of freights to- facilitate the movement of wheat in the country. The price of bread in Johannesburg promptly came down to 7d.