TO-DAY'S PRICES.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 October 1920, Page 6

TO-DAY'S PRICES.

SUGAR SHIPMENT ARRIVES. KEROSENE DEARER. With the frequent changes in prices of every day articles which the housewife has to buy the following brief summary of the market conditions reported in New Plymouth yesterday will in'.enst every woman who" shops for the Home:— Kerosene. —A further sharp advance is reported, bringing the wholesale price to 24s f.o.b. Wellington. Benzine.—Tlie Board of Trade has sanctioned an increase of Is a case, but supplies aie still extremely difficult to get. There is an unsatisfied demand, though imports this year are apparently roughly 50 per cent, greater than the corresponding period last year. Dried Fruits The heavy supplies available have served to keep the market quiet, in fact, most lines are selling below their true value, and past experience teaches that such a position will automatically restrict importß, with the result that in the future this market may be expected to sharply recover. Rice. —The high prices ruling have restricted demand, and there is a feeling that the Australian rice millers who practically control the New Zealand market, have stocked up at high prices, and will have difficulty in getting out at a profit. Tapioca.—All kinds are distinctly easier. Local merchants are selling at a loss, and it is believed that the rates ruling in Singapore are below the cost of production. The careful housewife should look into the price of this line as it is comparatively a very cheap pudding. Salt.—A direct shipment is landing ex Mamari showing a substantial saving over imports vi» Wellington. Matches.—Wax matches are extremely hard to procure, Australian manufacturers were quoting for delivery next year at rates half as high again as present prices, but could not handle the business offering. It is'understood that they will only confirm at open prices, and will not guarantee delivery for any specified' date. Honey.—The expected rise in butter and the shortage of sugar has produced an. extraordinary run on honey. The opinion is freely predicted that the increased consumption will force up prices. Potatoes. —There is heavy buying locally, though dealers have not much faith in the possibility of export to Australia. The attractive price has meant increased consumption.

Fowl Feed.—This is most difficult to obtain, and though it is rumoured certain individuals have secured ample supplies of wheat, the general public is forced to buy anything that is offered at whatever price. Sugar.—A shipment arrived yesterday, but the quantity was insufficient to materially affect the shortage. It is reported one or two country storeß have been accumulating, but it is understood that steps have been taken by those in authority to have the allotments to these men drastically reduced so that they will get only sufficient for their local trade. Exaggerated rumours as to hoarding by dealers may be treated as, groundless. A case in point occurred this week, at the height of the shortage, when a local merchant who is very closely associated with the distribution of sugar was assured that a certain dairy factory had at that moment just received fifty bags for distribution to shareholders, but the factory in question Kas not even a store.