TO-DAY'S PRICES.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 July 1920, Page 6

TO-DAY'S PRICES.

DIFFICULTIES WITH SUGAR. TEA ADVANCES AGAIN. With the frequent changes in prices of everyday articles which the housewife has to buy, the following brief summary of the market conditions reported in New Plymouth yesterday will interest every woman who shops for the home:— Sugar.—Though the higher price has checked the, demand from the consumer to some extent, supplies available from the works are little, if anything, more than in the past, and there seems every indication that a severe shortage will occur in the fruit-preserving season. Confectionery manufacturers are unable to get any increase of sugar beyond the allotment Jhat has recently been in force, and the greatest difficulty is being experienced by traders in getting supplies of lollies. Were it not for local manufacture the position would be very acute. Raisins, e|tq.—Cabled quotations for the new season's American raisins, due to arrive about November, are the highest ever quoted. Mediterranean currants and sultanas are also quoted at very big prices. American seedless raisins will cost the retailer roughly 50 per cent, more than he is selling the superior Mildura fruit at in New Ply-, mouth to-day. Cheese.—Local factory cheese has advanced about 3d per pound, and this will no doubt be reflected in the retail prices. Starch.—The leading New Zealand brand" is quoted to-day at £l5O per ton wholesale, though local merchants are still selling at the old cost. . Tea.—A leading Wellington packer has received cable advice that the cheaper teas have advanced I%<l to 3d per pound, and the best varieties 3d per pound. This rise is confirmed from other sources, and the market is firm. Onions. —New Zealand onions are not keeping well, and importers are placing business in Australia, hut costs will be nearly 100 per cent, higher than present rates for the local article.