TO-DAY'S PRICES.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 August 1920, Page 151

TO-DAY'S PRICES.

UNCERTAIN SUGAR SUPPLY. FEWER LUXURIES BOUGHT. 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:— Potatoes.'—The Press Association reports that the Government is sending Dr. Cockayne and Mr. T. Buxton 'to Australia in a final effort to get p?r mission from- the Federal Government to permit the. importation of New Zealand potatoes. The general opinion seems to be that it is doubtful if tliey will be successful, but. householders would be wi>3 to take advantage of the present low prices, as if permission is obtained the market will respond very quickly. At present it is lifeless. Sugar.—A very small shipment arriv-ed-foy the Rimu yesterday, but the must saleable line, No. IA, was short shipped. A local merchant closely in touch with this question tells us that dealers m'.:st not be misled by the shipments arriving close together into thinking supplies are more plentiful, as such extra quantities are intended as a reserve against ■ .the shortage that will ensue immediately afterwards. When the larger cargo vessels are loading for Wellington and the South Islanu all the sugar available is required to meet this demand, consequently such places as Taranaki must po shoit. To minimise the inconvenience that this must entail, every endeavor is made to secure a surplus for Taranaki prior to this. Candles. —For August shipment from India candle manufacturers are paying Hid per lb for wax. This means probably Is 3d or, Is 4d as the wholesale price of candles when they come to hand. Jellies. —Manufacturers were booking contracts for next summer's trade at prices which will mean 6d retail, but an advance of 10s gross (nearly Id a packet), is reported in one quarter, while another well-known packer is asking 7s (id « dozen for prompt delivery. Methylated Spirits.—Now more plentiful, and though prices are still high, they show a decided reduction.

Paper and Paper Bags.—Are up, and look like going higher. Figs.—After the prices ruling recently, consumers will be pleased to hear of a substantial fall, which makes this article comparatively reasonable. ' Cordials. —The rise in sugar will place this article into the luxury list if the

manufacturers pan persuade the publit to buy at, the rates. t!$X The cash stores report'pat the public are beginning-to fight'shy'of many of the semi-luxury lilies' at pteseVit high prices, but where it goes down in tha "book" the buyer does not seem to realise what, some article's really do cost.