TO-DAY'S PRICES.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 August 1920, Page 6

TO-DAY'S PRICES.

1 POTATO -MARKET PROSPECTS. THE SUGAR DIFFICULTY. With the frequent changes in prices of ' everyday articles which- the housewife has to buy, the following brief summary of the market conditions existing in New Plymouth yesterday will interes', every woman who shops for the home:— Potatoes. —The conditional removal of the embargo on the export of potatoes to Australia has resulted in southern dealers withdrawing quotations. Mr Buxton's cable that values f.o.h. aouU] should be £7 to £8 is cheerful news for growers, but it must be remembered that Mr. Buxton was sent over to represent the growers, and it is in the latler's interest that the most should be made of the position. The regulations as to export will probably be very strict, and we doubt if the growers will benefit quite as much as they would have North Island buyers believe. Buyers would be wise to act cautiously. Sugar.—ln face of the position in Auckland, consumers must be most economical. Meantime, Taranaki was very fortunate in getting good shipments immediately prior to the disagreement, and consequently ,may have to wait a littie before its turn comes. Local retailers are very short, and are limiting buyers to 21b lots. Confectionery.—The rise in the price of sugar has not resulted in any decrease in sales, and supplies of local goods are as short as ever. The higher priced imported goods are more plentiful, which is natural when we see that the value of the imports of confectionery'for the first half of this year was £200,033, against £53,313 for the corresponding period last year. Salmon. —Prices for new season's, due November and December, are now nam ed, and while somewhat cheaper than present rates, are still very high. Toba«cos.—A small shipment of Melrose, Yellow Three Castle, and other cigarette tobaccos has arrived, but the quantity is too small to satisfy requirements. All standard brands continue in short supply, and in face of the price of the lea'f, together with the unfavorable conversion rate with America, smokers will soon have to face another advance. Olive Oil—Has advanced very heavily, and this is being reflected in the various j articles manufactured from this line. Benzine.—Since last writing on this subject a cable has been received by a local wholesaler, offering a cargo of 54/50 gravity at a price which, converted at present rate with America, would mean 40s per case to the tpde. When we read that the imports into New Zealand of motor vehicles ion the first half of the current year were valued at £1,282,123, against £2(52,809 for the same half year in 1919, it is evident that the price of benzine is not likely to materially affect the consumption.