TO-DAY'S PRICES.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 November 1920, Page 6

TO-DAY'S PRICES.

FEW CHEAP LINES YET. LACK OF CHRISTMAS VARIETY. With the frequent changes in prices of everyday articles which the householder lia>> to buy, the following brief summary of the market conditions reported in New Plymouth yesterday will interest every woman who shops for the home: — There is little alteration in prices since last week's report, but there- is no doubt many lines of foodstuffs have reached their highest point. Any reduction in prices must only be gradual, for we must bear in mind that many of our markets. jye_ a considerable distance from New Zealand, and in many cases it is a matter of months before supplies come to hand. Shoppers will, no doubt, notice the lack of variety when shopping flor Christmas, especially in regard to dried fruits. '1 n former years November and December imports from'the Pacific slope were enormous, but with the exchange rate at 3.30 there is "nothing doing." Sugar.—No supplies have arrived from Auckland for some time, but we understand most storis have small supplies of; brown sugar still on hand. "Syrup and Treacle.-—These lines are in very short supply, and the small supplies arriving from time to time are disposed of immediately. Potatoes. —The Corinna arrived yesterday with a fairly large shipment of old potatoes, and the quality for the time of the year is exceptionally good. This will probably be the last shipment from the south this season, but no doubt there will be a demand for the next few weeks, as the price is low. Mew potatoes are now coming to hand, but sales arc not heavy, owing to the high price still ruling, and also to the quality. Until the season is advanced somewhat growers are inclined to' too early, and the tubers afe small in consequence. Of course the price is also a tempting one at this time of year. Onions.—American onions are nowcoming to hand, and the quality is quite good. Supplies coming in will have to suffice for the Christmas trade. Dried Fruits.—New prunes have now come to hand, and prices are reasonable, considering the present American exchange rate. Very little dtied fruit = are coming down from California this season, owing to the prohibitive price. Pollard and Bran.—The demand for these is still keeping up, as poultry keepers are now using more now that wheat is practically unprocurable. Turpentine Supplies are now being received at. much redjjeed prices, and with linseed oils on the drop many people will be considering painting their houses. One has been inclined to put off such work of late, as with the present price of materials jiud labor housepainting costs practically three times as much compared to pre-war days, Benzine and Kerosene.—A direct shipment is due at New Plymouth on Monday next, and with local storks bare, the bulk of this shipment will go into consumption at once. TobacQoe.—Small shipments have come to hand during the past week, but the quantity is much below requirements. Matches.—Wax matches are now to hand, but only in small quantities. A much better brand of safety match is now on the market, for which many a householder will be thankful. Bacon.—This line fe in very short supply at present, but from 'now on supplies should be more plentiful. Biscuits.—Very few biscuits have come to iiand since the sugar strike. Manufacturers are feeling the pinch of the sugar shortage, and all biscuits made go into local consumption. Taranaki, not having a biscuit factory, suffers in' consequence. "" Oaten Products.—With the oat market weak all oaten foods are reduced in price. Oatina and Creamota are both down 3s per dozen.