TO-DAY'S PRICES.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 August 1920, Page VIII

TO-DAY'S PRICES.

NEW PLYMOUTH'S GOOD POSITION. THE SECOND CHEAPEST TOWN. -With the frequent changes in prices of eifcryduy articles which the housewife lias to buy, the following brief summary of the market conditions reported in New Plymouth yesterday will interest every woman who shops lor the home:— It may be some little consolation to feel that \ve are not so badly off as other parts of New Zealand, according to a recent flovernment abstract. This shows that in Group 1 (groceries), New Plymouth is tlie second cheapest town of the twenty-five quoted with an index figure of 1771. The lowest is Wanganui with 1741, and the highest Rotorua, 13539. Auckland is 1812, Hamilton 194®, Napier 1894, and Invercargill 1855.

i'or July, 1: :4, New Plymouth ,figured eiflitt:":' :i: the list, so when it comes to the r.-i increase per cent, she tops the poll for New Zealand. When it come 3 to meat, however, our index of 1777"is only exceeded by one town of the twenty-five listed. Dannevirke shows the lowest prices with 1481. With dairy produce Ve can oinly get third, both Nelson and Ashburton beating us, and for the lowest percentage increase since July, 1914, we have to be content with twelfth place. Condensed Milk.—With the rise in Bugar and» the high rates offering for butter and cheese, a rise has been looked for, so an increase of 3s {sd per dozen wholesale, has not eortie as a surprise.

Hams— Price has moved up Id lb., and the quantity in sight for the Christmas trade is less than will be required. No ipcrease in bacon was announced, but supplies will be short until November, when pigs will be more plentiful. Hollow-ware, frying pans, kettles, and pots.—The recent mail advises that manufacturers have raised prices. Paints.—A small advance is reported, and it looks as if there is nothing very comforting to report to the man who requires his house painted. Wax Matches.—The Australian factories are offering, but at rates that mean perhaps 50 per cent, higher than the local manufacturers, but supplies are so short that it is probable business will be done.