BRITISH AFFAIRS

Southland Times, Issue 18826, 20 May 1920, Page 6

BRITISH AFFAIRS

THE COST OF LIVING. RANGE OF PRICES. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z.. Cable Association.) LONDON. May 17. The London Gazette-states that retail prices, including food, clothing, fuel, light and rent on May 1 were about 141 per cent, above the figures ruling in July, 1914. The Food Controller’s statistics relating to food, sljovv an increase of 146 per cent. He says the United Kingdom’s food prices have risen less than those of France, Italj r and*S\veden, and are not much in excess of those of the United States, and adds that the present level is undoubtedly a matter for serious concern. The Food Controller concludes; Prices in the incoming summer will reach a very high level owing to the cost of importable food, the partial removal of the bread subsidy and the increased price of sugar and potatoes.

SIR THOMAS MACKENZIE,

A FAREWELL BANQUET.

LONDON, May 18. ■ (Received May 19, 11.25 p.m.) An influential committee of business men and the Agcnts-Genoral are arranging to tender Sir Thomas Mackenzie a farewell banquet. Probably Lord Milner will preside. WOOL SALES . A MANCHESTER AGITATION. LONDON, May 18. (Received May 20, 12.20 a.m.) The Port of, Manchester is agitating that wool sales ho held there alternately with Liverpool. Manchester bankers would afford every facility as regards wool consigned to Manchester. DEVONSHIRE HOUSE. TO GIVE PLACE TO DANCING' HALL. LONDON, May 18. (Received May 10, 11.25 p.m.) The purchasers of Devonshire House intend to demolish the buildings and erect a cinema, restaurant, and dancing hall, using the famous staircase as the”approach to the latter.