THE COST OF LIVING.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 July 1920, Page 2

THE COST OF LIVING.

HIGH PRICE OF SUGAR. A CHAT ON QUANTITIES AND PRICES. "The price of sugar governs the cost of manufacture of many classes of foodstuffs," stated a merchant to a New Zealand Times reporter. "Sugar lias advanced "from £23 15s per ton to £47 per ton f.ob. Auckland, and a jump of 100 per cent, means a great deal to the manufacturer as well as the householder. Hoarding of sugar is stated to have been rife, and the time has arrived when this statement will be proved. To my mind a considerable amount of the shortage ha 3 been caused by individuals hoarding sugar. Housewives whose weekly requirements averaged from three to six pounds have taken the precaution to buy small quantities whenever possible, and now that the price has advanced merchants anticipate that the demand will slacken until such time as the household stocks are depleted when the demand will go back to normal again. [ COST OF JAM ADVANCES.

"Even at the advance price there is still a distinct shortage of sugar, and this lias reflected on many other lines. It has been, and still is, difficult to secure sufficient quantities of jam to meet the demand, and now that sugar has gone up in price jam has followed to the extent of 2d per pound. Jelly crystals have also been affected, and it is difficult to say at the present juncture what other commodities will be affected. Ft may, however, be stated with confidence that sauces, more particularly tomato and Worcester will advance in price. Brewers in New Zealand have been buying practically all classes of sugar for the manufacture of beer, and here again, an advance in price imtst be looked for. Perhaps those who will feel the cost most will be the manufacturers of confectionery and biscuits, whilst pastry will become dearer to purchase. Cordials are used to a very large extent, and as they contain quantities of sugar it is only logical to assume that the advance in the cost of manufacture will be passed on to the consumer. These are only a few articles that come to my mind at the moment, but there are many others which will prolkbly have' a more oircet bearing on tlie cost of living DOMINION FORTUNATELY ' SITUATED.

"New JJealamt has been fortunate in regard to the supply of sugar as well as to the price. In New South Wales the price has been £47 per ton for some time, and it did not come as a surprise to ihid that tho price had advanced in New Zealand. The position as far as the Merchant fs concerned is not an enviable one, as the Government lias reserved all the cream m itself, and handed over the skimmed milk to the merchant. This is explained when it is learned that the retailer who is able to purchase four tons an;' over will be required to send liTs order direct. He will not. be benefited to any extent by doing no, but Government will save 2$ per rent, discount which is payable to the merchant. The wholesalers, on the other band, will be able to supply small lots arid run an risks, and their best accounts will be taken over by the Government.

COFFEE, COCOA, AND TEA.. ''There has been an advance in coffee in sympathy with the advance in cocoa, and tea has hardened somewhat. Tea has, however, gone back in price to the extent of from 3d to 4d for prickets and Id for bulk, and the present slight increase is due to the hardening of the exchange again. There has been- a considerable amount of speculation in tea ft the highest prices, and hsavy stocks are held in New Zealand, the holders ari; anxious to quit so that there is little likelihood of the price advancing (or some time. BENZINE SUI'PLIES.

"The market is short o£ benzine, and difficulty is beinjr experienced in obtaining supplies from California, and also trora the eastern side of America. The price has advanced, und there is no prospect of its dropping for some considerable time at least. The American oil inagiktes are being seized with' the fact that Britain controls the principal oil wells o! the world, and it is only a niatter of time when they will be confronted with keen competition. It is difficulty to learn what is behind the oil industry, but from information that has been received, it is gathered that there is sufficient oil in Persia to supply all requirements for some time, to come. The importation of benzine and crude oil in bulk lias been mtntioned on several occasions, and the time is approaching when shipments of crude oil will be sent to the Dominion, but benzine in bulk is further away. It would not suit the New Zealand trade on account of the large quantities that are used in the country. Tin is high in price, but it will have to go much higher before petrol in casks or drums can be handled at a less cost than in cases. It would not pay to procure benzine from Persia, it it could be obtained, at the present time, unless the ships were insulated, as the back freight has to be taken into- consideration.

VESTAS. -"The rliarket is working on hana-to-mouth supplies, and. stocks arc, practically unprocurable. The safety match is being more used than formerly, but it was never a favorite with New Zealanders. Australia is supplying the Dominion with small lots/but nothing approaching requirements, and shipments of a soft-striking match have been receded from America. The New Zealand factories cannot cope with the demand, and only liimted quantities of No. i (tin boues), Royals (slidos), and plaids are obtainable from fTrne to time. These are sent into consumption at once, and in as small quantities as possible In order that all classes of the community may participate. WINKS AND SPIRITS;

"Stocks of all classes of spirits in the Dominion are getting low, and the ampments that are coming forward are not extensive. The reason of litis is that during the war the distilleries were engaged in war work and havt to make up the lost ground. It ra not permissible to import spirits under three years of age, and this must in itself restrict shipments to an appreciable extent. ■ Wine has increased in price in all parts of the world, and the last manufacturers to. do 60 were those of South Africa."