"GOING UP."

Taranaki Daily News, 23 January 1920, Page 4

"GOING UP."

COST OF LIVING AGAIN. BOOTS AND CANDLES THIS TIME. "Boots are sure to go up in price very shortly," remarked the head of a big boot manufacturing firm to a New Zealand Tames reporter. It was stated that towards the end of the month there is to be a conference between representatives of the tanners and freezing companies, and an increase in the price of leather may be anticipated. Labor troubles are embarrassing the manufacturers. Girls are unprocurable for the factories; in fact, they have been difficult to secure for the last few years. They, were given 7s Gd a week as beginners at one time, and now 25s a week as beginners will not attract them. Skilled men are also hard to obtain. The result is, it is stated, a smaller output and a corresponding increase in the cost of production. CANDLES INCREASE A PENNY A POUND. The price of candles has remained stationary since last August—which is really very good in these days of soaring prices. However, another increase is now announced in the price of New Zealand made candles, which were advanced Id per pound in New Plymouth yesterday. The rise is attributed to the increased cost of materials used in the manufacture of candles and the cost of exchange. Paraffin wax, the main ingredient in the manufacture of candles, has increased in price, and it is stated that candle wicks have gone up 400 per cent, during the past five years.